CathedralCarmel55's Guestbook

CathedralCarmel55's Guestbook

Archived Guestbook for Dec 2002- Mar 2003

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How are you doing, Doris? I'm sure you're doing better every day.
Brenda
USA - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 20:54:16 (EST)

SUZANNE, GOOD RIDANCE!!!!!!!!!!! Can you imagine him saying that? When I first heard it I couldn't believe my ears!!!!! Didn't take NBC to take care of him did it?
Betty
USA - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 16:51:05 (EST)

Gerald, yes we went to Aruba, Panama Canal (Gatun lock & Lake), then to Limon, Costa Rica yesterday, and now we are at sea today on our way to Montego Bay, Jamaica (last stop) then Ft Lauderdale. Guess who our comedian was.... yes, Billy Vader. We bought you one of his albums. Rickey, sorry but no Bert on the piana on this cruise. Maybe next time.
O. P.. <op@opditch.com>
Carribbean, USA - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 14:13:59 (EST)

Where are you OP? Did you get through the Panama Canel?
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 12:59:22 (EST)

Hey Betty, looks like Peter Arnette is gone!
Suzanne
USA - Monday, March 31, 2003 at 09:46:35 (EST)

No, I had/have on a yellow and blue hawaiian shirt and beige shorts. My big straw hat with the flag sticking out of it. Will try again later on in the cruise.
O. P. <op@opditch.com>
Panama, USA - Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 14:49:44 (EST)

O.P., I think I see you. Do you have on blue pants and a dark colored shirt and are waving?
Brenda
USA - Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 12:20:24 (EST)

Happy to hear that you are now pain free, Doris. Sounds like the surgery was a success. Good going! Had to run to New Orleans to take care of Yvette. She has an eye condition called Cornea Erosion and when it flares up all she can do is go to bed and keep her eye closed. This has been happenig to her since she was in college and she wasn't diagnosed until last week. Very treatable! It is scarey. Those four little boys are a handful. The traffic between NO and BR was terrible (1 hour on the Bonne Carre spillway coming home) JJ, what kind of cases will you be handling? Good for you. OP, sounds like y'all are haveing a great time. I can't get passed LIVE BRIDGECAMS so I haven't seen you.
Suzanne
USA - Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 12:08:51 (EST)

Ok, the Coral princess cam picture is a "snapshot", it is live, but you have to select the Coral Princess Bridge and click "GO" to the right or it will not show you the correct picture. trying again today from 11-12 noon Laf time. will be going through the locks again at that time, I think.
O. P. <op@opditch.com>
Panama Canal, USA - Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 11:20:43 (EST)

O.P., the picture on the Coral Priness Bridge Cam doesn't look like a live picture as no one is moving. Is in live only at noon, our time?
Brenda
USA - Saturday, March 29, 2003 at 09:04:35 (EST)

YES I AM PAIN FREE Remarkable isn't it. Thanks for all the prayers. I love you guys!!!
Doris
USA - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 14:15:48 (EST)

I guess nobody read this in time. will try again later. maybe tomorrow in the Panama Canal.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Carribbean, USA - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 13:44:38 (EST)

Welcome back Doris. Glad you are doing well. Well, I jumped the gun, we are not in Panama Canal yet, we are on the way. Will be there tomorrow. I am going to try to set up some times to pose for you all on the Ship's Web Cam. You can go to http://www.princess.com and click on the "Ships" in the top menu bar. then click on the "Live Bridge Cams" on the right side. then select the Coral Princess Bridge Cam. We will be on the left side against the Railing waving. Will try today at 1200 noon Lafayette Time.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Carribbean, USA - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 09:50:28 (EST)

Doris, so glad to hear that you are home and doing so well. Just walk ---don't run and you won't dislocate anything!!!!!!! Are you pain free as Brenda asked? I was amazed at how little pain Billy had with his rotator cuff.
Betty
USA - Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 21:44:50 (EST)

Doris, did you say you feel SO GOOD??? Does that mean you are pain free?? I hope so. Thank heavens it's over and the best is yet to come. Take care!
Brenda
USA - Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 20:25:08 (EST)

Hi guys, well I am back home and doing fine. I'll just have to walk like an "old lady" (with a walker) for 2 months. Ugh!! Oh well. Thank God I can walk. Thanks for all the prayers. I am doing so well and feel so good I hope I don't do too much and dislocate the new hip. Good for you J.J. Brenda is right it is a shame to waste your knowledge and expierience. Have fun O.P. Hope you and Shirely enjoy the cruise.
Doris
USA - Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 17:32:50 (EST)

Well, we made it to Aruba just fine. Smooth waters all the way. Just got back from an Island tour on an air conditioned bus, had lunch then walked to some shopping. Shirley finally spent all of her Christmas money :( for me. Sorry I can't send any pics from the Ship. Will have a lot to show when we get back. Tomorrow is the Panama Canal run.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Carribbean, USA - Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 14:29:11 (EST)

J.J., when I retired almost three years ago, I spent one month deciding weather to work part time. I started two days a week, then one day a week and now I work on an as needed basis. It has been the best three years of my 43 year work life, except for maybe my three years in the service. I hope the same thing happens to you.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 22:24:10 (EST)

Good for you, J.J. It would be a real shame to let all of your experience go to waste!
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 22:09:40 (EST)

Sounds like a good plan to me J.J. Retiring "cold turkey" can be as stressful as work!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 19:48:41 (EST)

I am thinking of doing the unthinkable. The Supreme Court has offered to appoint me to sit in Houma City Court one or two days a week. The pay is at the same daily rate as a District Court Judge, and there is considerably less responsibility and much less stress. I meet tomorrow with the City Court Judge tomorrow to see if I will take the job. So it goes ! I met with the judge today I will start to work at the end of April. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, La USA - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 19:22:22 (EST)

Hi Brenda, Billy is feeling good. He sees the surgeon this coming Monday and we will schedule the valve repair then.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 19:04:01 (EST)

Thanks, Betty. How's Billy?
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 17:19:44 (EST)

Brenda, Charles P. called Patsy after the surgery and told her that all went well. I think she was going to be in the hospital 3 or 4 days (I think) --- that is all I know. Patsy and I went to see "Chicago". I used to love Richard Gere, but his political views have effected my view of him. Having said that I enjoyed the movie. The music was really good. O.P. I just watched a news conference on Fox ---- Gen. Brooks was being asked all these questions ----I hope you saw it. The press makes me SICK. Even though the Iraqis are killing each other right and left and the focus of the entire news conference was about missiles hitting the market in Baghdad. I WILL NOT watch any other news except FOX NEWS. Hope you all are having a great time.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 09:15:49 (EST)

Does anyone know how Doris is doing?
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 20:19:35 (EST)

Congratulations to all the Grandparents for the new little ones. I forgot to mention how disgusting it is to be at SEA without Fox News Channel. We are trapped with only CNN International. It is like watching the war from Iraqi TV. They even have embedded reporters with the Iraqi Troops!! They also show some of their reporters with US troops, but it is really something. They don't call this the "Operation Iraqi Freedom", but refer to it as "War in Iraq". Every now and then I have to turn off the TV and go walk on deck. But I haven't passed up a meal yet. We have been on board a little over 24 hours and have had 4 meals.... he he.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Carribbean, USA - Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 16:10:33 (EST)

Ok, we are at SEA for a couple of days, first stop will be Aruba! Can't upload photos, you all will have to wait til I get back.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Carribbean, USA - Monday, March 24, 2003 at 19:27:12 (EST)

ok, here is another picture: suckitup.jpg
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, March 24, 2003 at 07:03:35 (EST)

Ok, lets see if this works to let you see some photos: atdons.jpg click on that link.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Monday, March 24, 2003 at 05:54:26 (EST)

A new little girl!! The world doesn't have enough of them! I'm glad that she is here and healthy. Congratulations! Doris, we'll be thinking of you tomorrow. I know everything will be wonderful and you will do well. Take care!
Brenda
USA - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 22:09:03 (EST)

DORIS, I tried and tried to call you but every time I would get this sound like a fax machine. I know I had the correct number. We will all be praying for you in the coming week. Take care. GERALD AND PAT, congratulations on your new baby girl, they ARE wonderful. My little 2 pounder is gorgeous and ready to walk. Life if good, golf in the morning and grandbaby's in the afternoon!!!!
Sue
USA - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 13:58:00 (EST)

Congradulations, Pat and Gerald, aren't baby girls wonderful? It has been so long since we have had a baby girl in the family, my youngest grandaughter is 15 now. But I do remember how it was. We have been having just rough/tough little boys. Our baby is starting to walk. He thinks he is something else too, he is so proud of himself. I have been enjoying living close to them emincely. To move over here was the best thing we ever did.
Doris
USA - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 13:06:36 (EST)

Can you figure Pat Reaux a grandmother. She doesn't even look old enough to be a wife much less a grandmother. Oh well some of us get older and look it and other like you girls stay young. It's not fair. Barbara and I had to cancel our trip with OP and Shirley this weekend. Barbara's mother was in intensive care at St. Patrick's Hospital last week and Barbara said she did feel safe going on vacation. Besides she said she could use the money to go visit her son in Australia next year or some year following. Her mother is much better now. She is 84 and doesn't look like she will get over this illness. She fell and broke her hip with lung problems and it looks like too much for her to overcome. Anyone ever hear from Avis. The last time I heard she was going up north for treatments. Nothing else since. Hope she is still doing fine. Well my prayers are with you Doris and all the other people in our class who need prayers.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 11:28:35 (EST)

Congratulations. Gerald and Pat. Our one and only grandchild is named Rachael too (only its spelled a little different). Pat will have fun shopping for her ---is this your first granddaughter?
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 10:32:39 (EST)

Thanks for the nice pictures OP. It's always a pleasure getting together with people you grew up with. Well Friday was a great day for the Reaux's. Golf in the morning and a grandbaby in the eveing. My second son Raymond and his wife had a 8 lb. 7 oz. 21 in. baby girl named Rachel Anne Reaux. She is precious and is our 5th granddaughter to go with our 4 grandson's. We all know the girls always have the last word, don't we. Ha!
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 10:09:32 (EST)

I just wanted to thank everyone for your prayers!!!
Doris
USA - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 08:51:20 (EST)

Doris I have several older friends who have had hip replacements. The do very well. They hunt and snow ski with no apparent handicap. They do complain about the cost of the operation. You will be fine.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.dom>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 01:18:52 (EST)

Looks like you guys were having a good time on the golf course. Its nice to see you all together.
Betty
USA - Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 22:42:24 (EST)

Doris, I am happy to hear that you can do the therapy at home. Walking in the Woodlands beats going to physical therapy at the hospital!!!!!. Billy goes to see the cardiologist Monday. If Billy decides to go ahead with the surgery we will have it done here. Dr. Boustany, who repaired my mitral valve, is very, very good and Billy likes him a lot so we will probably get him. Prayers are with you and I know you will do well. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, March 22, 2003 at 14:18:28 (EST)

Betty,From what I understand they teach me the exercise in the hospital, than when I come home I am on my own. It's up to me to keep up the exercise and from what I heard a lot of the therapy is walking, which is what I like to do anyway. It's a beautiful time of the year over here in the Woodlands to be able to walk. I will be able to go to Chuck's and do some water exercise in his pool too. I will be thinking about Billy Mon. mabe it will keep my mind off of myself. Will he have surgery in Lafayette?
Doris
USA - Friday, March 21, 2003 at 22:11:57 (EST)

From what I understand they teach me the exercise in the hospital, than when I come home I am on my own. It's up to me to keep up the exercise and from what I heard a lot of the therapy is walking, which is what I like to do anyway. It's a beautiful time of the year over here in the Woodlands to be able to walk. I will be able to go to Chuck's and do some water exercise in his pool too. I will be thinking about Billy Mon. mabe it will keep my mind off of myself. Will he have surgery in Lafayette?
Doris
USA - Friday, March 21, 2003 at 22:10:42 (EST)

Doris, that is great ----you will be home before you know it. How long is the therapy afterwards?
Betty
USA - Friday, March 21, 2003 at 20:24:13 (EST)

Oh, Betty I forgot, they tell me if everything goes as planned I will be able to come home on Thursday.
Doris
USA - Friday, March 21, 2003 at 11:04:36 (EST)

I go to the hospital Monday morning. The surgery is scheduled for 9:00 I have to be there for 7:00 so I guess we will leave here around 7 or 7:15. Hey Sue, I waited for your call yesterday! What happened?
Doris
USA - Friday, March 21, 2003 at 11:03:20 (EST)

Doris, do you go to the hospital Sunday or do you just go early Monday morning? We will all be praying for you. How long do they keep you in the hospital?
Betty
USA - Friday, March 21, 2003 at 10:07:12 (EST)

Thanks guys, for the support!!! I will have my daughter-in-law let you know on the webpage how I am doing.
Doris
USA - Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 14:44:48 (EST)

Doris, I play golf with a guy 10 years older than me and he has had one hip replacement several years ago and liked the results so much he is now doing the other one. His game has not skipped a beat. Piece of cake from what I hear.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, March 20, 2003 at 08:46:04 (EST)

Doris, from what I hear from everyone who has the surgery, you will be so happy that you had it done. Keep us posted. I'll offer my masses for you until then.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 23:58:16 (EST)

Yes, I am going into the Methodist Hospital in Houston Mon. to have a hip replacement. I was going to ask EVERYONE to please remember me in your prayers Mon. I really hate to think about it. But if I don't want to be in a wheel chair eventually, it has to be done. Simple as that. In the future I will have to have the other hip replaced, because the necrosis is going to that hip also. I am thankful to be here in Houston.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 15:21:36 (EST)

O. P. I saw your Bush web site. "O.P. FOR CONGRESS !" J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.xom>
Larose, LA USA - Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 12:02:58 (EST)

DORIS, I'll be using my cel phone (free) so I won't be calling long distance. Are you having surgery next week? Betty mentioned something about a knee or hip replacement. That's big surgery. I'll get the scoop when we talk. OP, I wish I could congratulate you too but my machine will not connect me to that address. Maybe I can use Caroline's computer today. .
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 08:53:10 (EST)

Sue, my phone number is 281-292-4665. Unless you are calling from a metro phone line, it is long distance from Houston. I don't know where you will be. But you can call me collect if you want I'll accept the charges. I don't know if any of you have heard from Betty, but Billy's Dr. called this afternoon and said the latest echocardiogram showed a very leaky mitral valve and it has to be repaired. So keep him in your prayers.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 21:17:13 (EST)

O.P. That is very impressive. Congratulations!!!!!! I tried all day long to get on (in fact, Patsy just told me she never could get on it) and was finally successful just now. Way too go!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 21:01:32 (EST)

DORIS, I'm going to Houston Thursday. What's your phone number?
Suzanne
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 20:48:01 (EST)

Great job O.P. And to think HE is our very own Web Master...How lucky we are. I couldn't open the site either Betty...until O.P. sent it to me via e.mail and I just double clicked on it and it appeared!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 18:29:45 (EST)

Wow, OP has finally hit the Republican political big time. We should all say we knew him when he had to stand on a swing to kiss the girls. Seriously congratulations and we are very proud of you.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 18:02:59 (EST)

That's the correct address, Betty. I accessed it this morning, but I can't open it right now. Don't know what the problem is.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 17:06:52 (EST)

I can't access the website, Brenda
Betty
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 14:48:46 (EST)

Sue, its 1:19 and I just signed on and your message is here.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 14:40:25 (EST)

Everyone, you really have to check out this site to see the great story on O.P. You're going places, O.P.! http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/867618/posts
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 11:10:35 (EST)

BETTY, this is another test. Please let me know.
Suzanne
USA - Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 09:37:57 (EST)

SUZANNE, the message was on my computer when I got home at 4:30. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, March 17, 2003 at 18:31:57 (EST)

OK BETTY, THIS IS MY TEST! LET ME KNOW.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, March 17, 2003 at 16:18:55 (EST)

Gerald funny you should mention it. Had 4lbs boiled crawfish Saturday evening!!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Monday, March 17, 2003 at 15:15:22 (EST)

Marshall, those Walmart crawfish better watch out!
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, March 17, 2003 at 10:01:14 (EST)

Brenda, Betty, it is at least a tradition that Sunday is not a day of penance during Lent. Traditon in Church law is just about as binding as law itself... kind of like "squaters rights!" If a traditon is taking place that the "authorities" obviously know about and say nothting to the contrary, it can be praciticed. So I would go along with Betty's source on this one and say the Sundays of Lent are not days of penance....unless of course you make that your penance. I give up meat for Lent the whole 40 days! I do it because I am so weak, I need an incentive to keep my penance...giving up meat for 40 days is healthy...so it is an added encouragement to keep it!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 21:21:55 (EST)

Betty, I am checking with my former boss, Fr. Ranzino, to see what he thinks about Sundays in Lent. I can't find anything which says that they are NOT part of Lent. I'll let you know what I find out. What do you say, Marshall?
Brenda
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 18:41:35 (EST)

O.P., I have been watching Fox News this entire day and I didn't see you. Maybe they will show it tonight. I am sorry they didn't include your other comment---that was a good one. It is the only Channel I watch. I don't even watch the local news anymore unless I want to see what the weather will be like. Is it hard to include a link when we write messages to this page? Like you did in your last message? Just wondering. Looks like we may be at war by Tuesday. We must pray for all the soldiers and our president and Tony Blair and our other allies.
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 18:19:07 (EST)

BRENDA, it isn't a virus ---that was me writing that note ---I must have put your name where my name should have been. I have been reading things on AMERICANCATHOLIC.ORG. Look on the page "Frequently asked questions about Lent" and it states that Sundays ARE NOT part of Lent." I wonder if these people are as informed as you are. Do you think this belief is the reason a lot of people forget their Lenten penances on Sundays ---- like they will eat sweets or have a drink or whatever it is that they have given up????? I have suddenly realized how uninformed I really am about my religion. That is why I have been reading up on it on various websites.
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 18:12:39 (EST)

Lots of questions! First, I want to say that I did not send the letter, signed by Brenda, which is about four letters down. It begins" "That is right. It comes..." I wonder if we have another virus??? To the questions: First, can there possibly be an anticipated Mass for Easter without it being the Vigil? General Norms, 21: "The entire celebratin of this vigil should take place at night, that is, it should begin after nightfall and end before the dawn of Sunday. This rule is to be taken according to its strictest sense." "The Easter Vigil is not to be celebrated at the time of day that it is customary to celebrate anticipated Sunday Masses. The celebration of marriage is forbidden, as is also the celebration of other sacraments, except those of penance and anointing of the sick." (the Ordo) Marshall, it sounds to me that there can not be any other masses on Holy Saturday than the Vigil mass. One parish in Baton Rouge continued to have TWO anticipated masses on Holy Saturday afternoon until we got a new bishop who put a stop to it. Maybe Sue had the same experience. Next, Betty, Sundays ARE considered part of Lent. Think of the names of the Sundays in Lent: 1st Sunday of Lent, 2nd Sunday of Lent, etc. In fact, during the Sundays of Lent the Alleluia is not sung or said from the beginning of Lent until the Easter Vigil. The altar should not be decorated with flowers (except on the 4th Sunday), and musical instruments may be played only to give necessary support to singing, with the exception of some instrumental pieces which may foster the spirit of the Lenten season. How many parish musicians know that??
Brenda
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 15:52:42 (EST)

Brenda, Yes that was me on Fox News Channel. I was NOT attending a "Peace Rally." I was at a "Counter Demonstration" to the so-called "Peace Rally". Many socialist groups co-sponsored that "Peace Rally" by the way. I didn't know you watched the "Fair & Ballanced" news on Fox. That's good. The one little quote from me that made the cut was "We are not Pro-War, but we are Pro-America". I was attending the "Counter Demo" sponsored by FreeRepublic.com in support of the troops, the President, and America. One of my best comments on TV that did NOT make the cut was: I was asked if I felt I had enough information to support removing Saddam. My answer went something like this: "I don't need any information, the President needs the information. And I believe he will have all the information he needs to make the decision, when he makes it. We civilians will NEVER have all the information. I know that because I was an Intelligence Officer and know why they can't reveal ALL to the public and our potential enemies. So I trust this president to make the best decision to protect America.... I trust this President." Here are some pictures I took at our Counter Demostration: http://w-04.com/FReeper031503/index.htm
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 15:42:44 (EST)

Brenda, what in the world could be wrong with your computer. Can you get a computer that is a "lemon"---you know like a car. We bought a car once that was a true "lemon" ---it was amazing the stuff that was wrong with that brand new lincoln. They even wrecked it when we took it for service once --- I was so glad to get rid of that car.
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 14:39:58 (EST)

BRENDA, another question - do you all know if Sundays are considered part of Lent.
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 14:37:29 (EST)

BRENDA, another question - do you all know if Sundays are considered part of Lent.
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 14:37:05 (EST)

That is right. It comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word ---lengten ---- which means spring.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 14:34:54 (EST)

Brenda you're the Liturgist! Could there possibly be an anticipated Mass for Easter WITHOUT it being the Vigil???? That one could be prior to Sun set!!! And that would be the Mass that Sue remembers from last year?
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 14:28:22 (EST)

My research says that LENT is an old Anglo-Saxon word LENTEN, which means "springtime," named for the time of year in which it occurs. Our computer is now back to normal. It took John countless days and hours on the phone with everyone he could possibly reach. By the way, we have McAffee AND Norton virus controllers AND a relatively new Dell. John had to delete everything on our computer and then put it back again. I lost all of my Mardi Gras pictures before I even saw them! O.P., did I see you yesterday on the Fox tv channel attending a peace rally in Washington, D.C.? I think it was you that they interviewed. I just remember part of what you said: "I am not pro-war, I am pro_??." The reason I didn't recognize you positively, was that you had on a hat.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 14:08:22 (EST)

GERALD, that is interesting about myrrh ---did they recommend rubbing it on your skin or what?
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 13:10:51 (EST)

Another question: Where does the word Lent come from and what does it mean?
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 13:06:53 (EST)

SUZANNE, I don't think we ever had a mass on Holy Saturday at Cathedral. I may be wrong. BRENDA, I guess I read it wrong - its the before and not after ----I cannot tell a fib ---I had to look it up. So I guess I get a silver star!!!!!
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 13:03:19 (EST)

Betty, you almost got it right. Lent ends when the evening mass BEGINS on Holy Thursday. Actually, I think at the Gloria when the bells ring,etc. Then begins the holiest celebration of the Church year, THE EASTER TRIDIUM (or Paschal Tridium), THREE days to "celebrate" the passion, suffering, death and resurrection of Christ, which ends at sundown on Sunday. Instead of ending our penitential practices of Lent, we should observe even more fasting and prayer throughout Good Friday and even through Holy Saturday, until the Vigil Mass Saturday, after sundown. The reason for the hour, Sue, is because the Vigil Mass is supposed to begin in darkness with the Light ceremony or blessing of fire, which is meaningless if done in daytime. The after-dark hour has been in effect since Vatican II and "This rule is to be taken according to its STRICTEST sense." (General Norms, 21)
Brenda
USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 09:53:13 (EST)

Sorry, I meant fourty days (excluding Sundays) after Mardi Gras. BTW Betty, I heard on Paul Harvey several Months ago that Myrrh was tested and found to be good for fighting cancer. Makes sense to me.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 08:46:15 (EST)

Sue as far as I know that has always been the General rule of the Church...no Easter Vigil (which is the anticipated Mass for Easter) prior to 8 p.m. Particular rules can probably be made by the local Ordinary (Bishop). If I remember correctly, in the Military, our rule was the Vigil had to be held after the Sun set! That of course is a carry over from the Jewish Passover which begins at Sunset.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 08:22:35 (EST)

MARSHALL, I went to mass at St. Patrick's this afternoon and in their bulletin was the notice that Bishop Jarrell has informed all the parishes in the Diocese that we cannot have any masses on Sat. April 19 before 8PM. That means that there will be no acticipated masses on Easter Saturday, only Easter Vigil Masses at or after 8 PM. We would have two masses at St. Mary's at 4 o'clock in previous years. Is this something new?
Suzanne
USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 21:37:57 (EST)

I think Lent ends Holy Saturday at midnight.
Doris
USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 21:01:07 (EST)

It ends after evening mass on Holy Thursday.
Betty
USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 19:45:28 (EST)

Fourty weekdays after Mardi Gras.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 19:32:21 (EST)

Two wrong answers so far. I'll give you another day.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 15:44:03 (EST)

Like Suzanne's family, we ended Lent at noon on Holy Saturday.
Betty
USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 11:01:21 (EST)

BRENDA, when we were children, Lent ended a noon on Saturday. My mother would always cook hamburgers on that day and we would sit at the table until the church bells would ring. Has it changed?
Suzanne
USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 10:08:05 (EST)

Another quiz: When does Lent officially end? Don't answer, Marshal.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 08:44:04 (EST)

BRENDA AND DORIS, you two get gold stars. I receive in the mail a lot of things from the Sacred Heart League and they were selling a "Spikenard Perfume"---in their sales pitch they write "In Mark's Gospel we read that during the week before Jesus' Passion, while dining at the house of Simon the leper, "a woman came with an alabaster jar of perfumed oil, costly genuine spikenard. She broke the alabaster jar and poured it on his head." This perfume they are selling is recreated from a first centry formulary. Its main ingredients are Myrrh, Cinnamon and Iris. I am tempted to order a 3 oz. bottle just to see what that combination of scents would be like
Betty
USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 21:45:15 (EST)

Oops!!!! Sorry, guys, the name of the book is "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World". I guess they both mean the same!!!
Doris
USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 15:28:02 (EST)

Well I looked in the dictionary, when I couldn't find the place in St. Mark's gospel. And the dictionary defines "spike" as a long flower cluster. So taking what Brenda has said about "nard" being the aroumatic perfume. Mabe it is the perfume from a long flower cluster. By the way has anyone read "Living a Mary life in a Martha world"? It is very good. That is what I am reading now.
Doris
USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 15:24:07 (EST)

Betty, my guess is that it is the "nard" or aromatic perfume that the woman poured on Christ's feet when he was dining at Bethany. It was also to be used by the women who were going to anoint the body after Christ's death, only to discover his body was missing.
Brenda
USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 13:21:27 (EST)

Marshall, they must have loved you when you were a parish priest. I think sometimes all these rules and regulations really turn people away. Betty
Betty
USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 13:13:02 (EST)

Liturgist are next in line Brenda! Ha! Like the Moralist and Legalist if you don't take them too seriously they're O.K.! Physical mortification is like, giving up candy, eating meat or fasting Betty. It is my humble opinion that when we die God is going to ask us one simple question: "Did you Love your neighbor like I loved you?" St. Augustine said: "Love and do whatever you want to!" I like God! He/She/It gave us ten simple rules and a conscience! Do we really need any more than that? All the other "stuff" are aides to help us. Unfortunately too often they confuse us more than they help. Very often those of us ordained to teach confuse the issue even more!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 12:55:07 (EST)

I have a trivia question. Has anyone ever heard of Spikenard? Hint: Its mentioned in one of St. Mark's gospels.
Betty
USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 12:47:18 (EST)

Thank heavens you didn't say that Liturgists were going to Hell, Marshall. I'll bet you were tempted!
Brenda
USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 11:53:09 (EST)

Marshall---- What is physical mortification?
Betty
USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 10:55:41 (EST)

Marshall, your professor was right ---all these rules and regulations can make you crazy. So we CANNOT eat meat on Fridays during Lent----do I finally have that straight??????
Betty
USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 10:19:42 (EST)

The General rule is no meat on all Fridays of Lent. Individual Bishops in their particular Diocese can change that. In my opinion God is looking down and asking: "Have you loved your neighbor as yourself today?" "How have you used this Lenten Season to grow spiritually?" We had a professor in College who used to tell us: "There are going to be two kinds of people in Hell; Moral Theologians and Canon Lawyers!"
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 09:19:45 (EST)

BRENDA, yes it was in St. John's Lenten Season - 2003 Booklet of regulations. Its a pink pamphlet and I am looking at it right now. As I mentioned, under "B" it says and is typed just like this: B. OTHER FRIDAYS of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. I might add that this is under D. "The obligation to abstain from meat binds Catholics 14 years of age and older. The obligation to fast, limiting oneself to one full meal and two lighter meals in the course of a day, binds Catholics ages 18 to 59.
Betty
USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 23:08:59 (EST)

Gerald, I can't see your pictures because of my computer problems. I can't see the ones I took with my digital camera because of of the same problem. I wish I could see your pictures! Betty, I hope Marshall comes up with the answer to this situation. Was it the bulletin from St. John's Cathedral which had the Lenten regulations that you could NOT eat meat on Fridays during Lent? Since the Diocesan newspaper doesn't mention it in the Lenten regulations, it sounds like someone made a mistake. I know that regulations vary from diocese to diocese, but not from parish to parish.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 22:53:41 (EST)

BRENDA and MARSHALL: I knew I had read that we should abstain from meat on Friday during Lent. I was discussing it with my neighbor and told her that I had it on good authority that we could eat meat on Friday during Lent. She said "No, we can't." Well, she went to get the Lenten Regulations issued by St. John for the Lenten Season 2003 (that is where I read about it) and it states on Page 4 it states 4 things. I won't type all of it, but under "B" it says: B. OTHER FRIDAYS of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. Rickey sent me (thanks Rickey for sending the article to me---that was very thoughtful) the lenten regulations that was in the Acadiana Catholic newspaper and it mentions Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as days of abstinence from meat and it goes on to say what you all told me. No where in the Acadiana Catholic article do I see "OTHER FRIDAYS of Lent are days of abstinence from meat" as is listed under "B" in the Cathedral regulations. Now you can see why I am confused. Maybe I am not as dense as I thought I was!!!!!!!! I knew I had read it somewhere. I'd like for you to explain this contradiction to me.
Betty
USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 22:42:51 (EST)

J.J. You should go to work for a travel magazine---your descriptions were so good I felt like I was there!!!! I am glad that you all had such a great time. The people I know who have been to Costa Rico loved it. Carleen's daughter and her family spent a summer down there I think. I'm looking forward to the space shuttle picture. GERALD, was that your son in that picture with Pat. I thought it was you also. You two could be twins. The pictures of your granddaughters were too cute - they must have been having fun - their smiles were wonderful.
Betty
USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 22:26:57 (EST)

WOW ! You have to go to Costa Rica. We rented a three bedroom villa on a hill with a covered deck and a small private pool. The villa overlooked the Pacific Ocean and the sun sets were magnificent. We caught a marlin, hiked the rain forest, sat in hot pools heated by a volcano. Watched the volcano erupt, saw the magna run down, and the ash drift into our hot pool. We took a four wheeler trip though the dry jungle, forged streams, rode up dried up streams and to a remote village. Hot, I drank almost four liters of water. We saw howler monkeys, a two toed sloth, coati mundi, iguana at the villa, and from a discrete distance, a spotted skunk. We saw whales, sperm whales, in their monk brown coats in a purple sea. They looked at you with dark, great, none blinking lidless eyes. If eyes are the windows to the soul, whales have dark secrets to tell. Betty my scanner is on the fritz, no pictures of the shuttle debris. I am working on it.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 21:32:24 (EST)

Well Gerald you can never disown that one! I used to eat at Richard's regularly when I was stationed in Abbeville from '63 to '69! It was THE place back then, if not the only place! Ole Red used to come to the table and eat "your" crawfish with you! Ha!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 15:07:44 (EST)

Marshall, accidentally you have given me a great compliment. That is my son Jerry with Pat basking in the front of the ULL Alumini House. We were waiting for the parades Mardi Gras day. He was very involved with Mardi Gras this year and I think it finally caught up with him. I was hoping O.P. would include the crawfish boiling pictures we took the weekend before Mardi Gras for the class to see. We like to go to Richards in Abbeville. Mardi Gras night we had the largest and most consistent size this year. They told us they would be that size for 4 to 6 weeks. That is not much of a lenten sacrifice is it?
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 11:22:42 (EST)

Gerald was that water you were drinking in the Mardi Gras Pics? You look "Zonked" out! Ha!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 09:52:05 (EST)

Betty after Vatican II Pope Paul VI I think said it best: "People should seek to do more rather than less; fast and abstinence on the days prescribed, and works of religion and charity on the Fridays outside of Lent, should be considered a minimal response to the Lord's call to penance and conversion of life." In other words, developing a personal relationship with our Higher Power is much more important than following the letter of the law!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 08:09:46 (EST)

Thanks Brenda for the explanation I will put that website in my favorites and click on it. That is such a "helping hand" for people who don't have the means to afford mammograms.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 23:10:48 (EST)

Because my picture is too large for the screen, I didn't see that I had left out some words on my reply to Betty. I meant to say that before Vatican II, we did not eat meat on Fridays. After Vatican II, the Church recommended that we should replace our not eating meat on Fridays with some form of penance or good works to remember Christ's suffering and death. The rest of my answer should be clear.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 22:47:03 (EST)

Before I forget, I want to pass along to all of you this website: http://www.thebreastcancersite.com. If you put this website on your "Favorites" and check it every day, you will see a place to click on for free mamograms for poor women. You can see the details on the website. Just click it every day. It takes about 10 seconds to do it and some philanthropists donate the mamograms. Betty, about the Friday fast. As Marshall said, it is a good thing to make some sacrifice on Fridays to replace meat that we used to have before Vatican II. HOWEVER, YOU CAN EAT MEAT ON FRIDAYS DURING LENT EXCEPT FOR GOOD FRIDAY. First, because you are over 59 years old and secondly, because the Church does not require abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 22:41:32 (EST)

I must be dense because after all your detailed explanations I am still not sure if we have to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. MARSHALL, you said all the other Fridays outside of Lent we have to do penance, etc. SO IN VERY SIMPLE LANGUAGE CAN WE OR CAN'T WE EAT MEAT ON FRIDAY???????? I've always thought the same thing, Marshall, eating fish on Friday here in Louisiana was never much of a Friday or Lenten penance ---now when I lived in Minnesota back in the very early 60s eating fish on Friday was a real penance - they didn't have much seafood up there then. Clams at the Howard Johnson's was about all (I think I mentioned this before) seafood available except, of course, tunafish. BRENDA, you must have almost fainted when you saw those programs--thank goodness your new bishop has a sense of humor. I have trouble with getting things right too. I also have trouble with my memory. For example, the other day when I was at the store I bought some batteries because I knew that I needed 5 Triple A batteries. Got the batteries home and then could NOT for the world figure out what needed new batteries. Do you know it took three days for me to figure out what needed new batteries------they were for my blood pressure machine----isn't that an eye-opener---kind of scary too!!!!!!!. SUZANNE, glad you are back playing tennis. The weather has been wonderful ---I guess it was those 21+ days without the sun that makes us appreciate it so much. Have any of you tried that new crawfish restaurant just south of Maurice ---Mr. Keets---if any of you have let me know what you think. We tried it once right after it opened and the crawfish were very good. I understand they now serve other foods and I was wondering how that was.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 22:16:33 (EST)

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN ! I've never had any doubt about that and the news about the Smart child was truly a miracle. Her family seems to be very devout people. How wonderful it is to hear good news like that. Isn't this weather great! (for us here in the South) Two days of sunshine and all the flowers are blooming and the trees a budding. Spring is here. Today was the first time I could play tennis since the sprained ankle and broken toe and it was so nice. We won but it took three Advils to get the old body to walk again. Good to hear from you again OP. Has the snow melted up there? Did you get the snow storm that is suppose to hit NY tomorrow? Too bad, it was in the 70's today, almost hot.
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 21:42:25 (EST)

Sorry, Doris. I am really not a very accurate person!!! This past weekend we had the diocesan Rite of Election where the persons going through RCIA are presented to the Bishop and "elected" by him to go further to baptism at the Easter Vigil. Well, our new bishop's name is Bishop Muench and I, who made the program for the Rite, put the name of our former bishop, Bishop Hughes!!!! I could hardly believe that I had done that and there were 2,000 programs printed which I didn't see until I got to the rehearsal Friday night--too late to have them reprinted. He was a doll about it and said to everyone, "I may not be here tonight, but I play myself on t.v."
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 11:01:12 (EST)

Brenda, It was Betty who asked about abstinence on Fri. We never have eaten meat on Fri. during Lent and still don't. And beleive it or not,it is a sacrifice. It just lets you remember that Fri. is the Day Christ died for us. Thanks O.P. for the tip about the rally. I haven't heard anything about it but we will go by the Northshore and see what's going on. Especially since one of our sons may be in one of those troops. His National Guard Unit hasn't been called yet, but I know that it is coming!! He is now in the unit in Opelousis, all the others that he has been in in his many moves these past 2 years has been called. I don't know if it is mom's prayers or what.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 10:30:50 (EST)

In a nut shell about fast and abstinence: The obligation to abstain from meat binds Catholics 14 years of age and older. The obligation to fast, limiting oneself to one full meal and two lighter meals, binds Catholics from age 18 to 59. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The other Fridays OF THE YEAR outside of Lent remain days of penance, but each individual may substitute, for the traditional abstinenance from meat some other practice of voluntary or personal penance. For example: This is Marshall talking now! In Louisiana, to eat meat on Friday is probably more of a penance than eating Crawfish Ettouffee!!!!! In the Midwest, to eat seafood is probably more of a penance than eating a Black Angus steak!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 09:32:07 (EST)

It doesn't seem to like my ugly face I guess.

Try this one:

O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 07:12:49 (EST)

Eureka!!!! success.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 06:52:52 (EST)

Ok, try again http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/862542/posts?page=1
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 06:52:00 (EST)

Sorry for this testing, but I'm trying to allow html in the comments section so you can put links in. Let see if it works now: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/862542/posts?page=1
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 06:50:48 (EST)

<http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/862542/posts?page=1>
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 06:02:07 (EST)

Who lives in Woodlands, TX? There is a "Support our Troops Rally for America" this Saturday: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/862542/posts?page=1 . Not sure this link will work on this guestbook, but you can copy and paste it anyway. Please consider attending.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 05:58:15 (EST)

Doris, The Church says that we must fast and abstain on Ash Wed. and Good Friday. The rubrics say: "Today, Good Friday, and, if possible, on Holy Saturday until the Easter Vigil, the paschal fast is observed everywhere to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more deeply in his resurrection." I think that the rule of abstinance on every Friday during Lent varies from diocese to diocese. In our diocese there is no mandatory abstinance from eating meat on Fridays. The Church also says that those under a certain age (I think it's 21) and over a certain age (we're over it, but I don't remember if it's 59 or above)don't have to observe fasting regulations. It's been so long since anyone asked me this question, that I'm not positive about the exact ages, etc. I'm sure Marshall knows.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 23:14:01 (EST)

Marshall and/or Brenda, What is the rule for fasting during Lent ---Last Friday night at Don's none of could remember. Don't you abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent? I got some disagreement about that. Please set us on the right path. Where are all of you? I guess this nice weather has everyone "playing" outdoors.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 17:42:52 (EST)

We got the McAfee program and now we have the anti-virus Norton program and McAfee program and no viruses. However, we still have the same problems: the picture is too large for the screen and the colors are pixilated or something. John has spent hours on the phone with Cox (which we have) and still can't correct whatever is wrong. Any ideas, O.P.?
Brenda
USA - Monday, March 10, 2003 at 09:31:31 (EST)

O.P. I have been thinking about that for months now. I am constantly getting kicked off of AOL and it is most annoying. The reason I haven't done it is because when I go to Kerrville I don't think I could get Cox there. Guess I could get Cox and keep AOL for when we go there. I don't know enough about all of this to really figure out what I should do. But one thing I know AOL really makes me want to scream.
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 09, 2003 at 21:24:43 (EST)

Betty, Rachael's Mardi Gras picture has been on her page for a couple of days. It must have been your AOL. You all need to get Cox Internet for when you all are at home. It is really fast compared to AOL and you don't get those annoying "cache" problems like AOL.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, March 09, 2003 at 05:49:11 (EST)

I Ditto Gerald's Kudo's of McAfee! Just over the last two days it warned me NOT to open 4 e.mail's because of an attached virus!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Thursday, March 06, 2003 at 08:30:18 (EST)

Betty, Barbara and I saw God and Generals yesterday and I thought it was great. You always hear about Robert E. Lee but this is about Stonewall Jackson. I too love history. It has a lot of battles. It has everything I have hear about the War Between the States. It was no Civil War. Just a note here. OP's daughter Karen lives with the Battle of Chanceelorville in her back yard. He said it butts up against her proporty. How about that.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 23:00:49 (EST)

Brenda, I too had a computer that was so slow and eratic that I had to do something. My telephone repairman suggested that I try McAfee for $25.00/year. I purchased it on line and they sent me information to create a floppy disk which, with the help of my son, perged my computer of 265 virusus. It took 3 hours and 31 minutes to accompolish the cleaning. It had affected 32,243 of my files. This was approximately 3 months ago and since then my computer has not missed a beat. I was so relieved and thankful. Marshall also is farmiliar with McAfee and told me he had heard is was wonderful. He was right. The viruses found were Klez.H about 40 times and W97M/class.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 19:39:53 (EST)

No, Betty, we didn't see "God's and Generals" because of the reviews. I think I would like to see it though because I like to see epics and I can't imagine Robert Duval being bad in anything. John thinks that our computer might have a virus because we can't get it straight any more. I'm surprised that our e-mails and these messages get through. He's been on the phone with Cox cable p eople for two days. No luck!
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 18:06:09 (EST)

SUE, I'll look for the new pictures. O.P., Rachael's Mardi Gras picture didn't come up.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 16:23:48 (EST)

Brenda, have you and John seen "Gods and Generals"? It looked like it might be pretty good because of the actors, etc., but all the reviews I've read said it was long and "atrocious" (as one critic described it). Billy loves Civil War history so I thought I'd ask before we go see it. Has anyone else seen it? Glad you had fun at the parades. Lafayette lucked out on the weather for Mardi Gras because it was misty and cold Monday and today its misting rain and generally disagreeable.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 16:21:21 (EST)

BETTY, we started copying some of the pictures on Caroline's computer but the weather got bad before we finished. I hope to finish this week and send them on. I still have Emily here. What a joy she is! It would have been a little harder if Suzy hadn't been here to help. Baby's are very confining. Glad everybody had a fun Mardi Gras.
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 10:16:01 (EST)

SUZANNE, did you ever send the pictures to O.P.? Just wondering.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, March 04, 2003 at 20:54:27 (EST)

Even though it was a little chilly today in Lafayette, we enjoyed Mardi Gras with the family. I took some pictures, but our computer is acting up so I can't download them to see if I got anything worth sending to this site. I don't even know if this message will go through.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, March 04, 2003 at 18:29:45 (EST)

I just sent a message, but I didn't see it come up in the guestbook so here it comes again. HAPPY MARDI GRASS to you all. It is just another day over here in Texas.
Doris
USA - Monday, March 03, 2003 at 23:01:34 (EST)

Thanks, Sue, that is exactly what I had planned to do. We always come in from the the east (I think that's the east.)and get to Meaux Blvd. that way. We don't come until the morning parade. It's cold and rainy right now, so I'm really hoping it clears up and gets warmer during the night. Sorry I didn't see the custumes you made. I know the workmanship which must have gone into them is spectacular. Happy Mardi Gras!
Brenda
USA - Monday, March 03, 2003 at 18:18:56 (EST)

BRENDA, You didn't say when you would be coming in for the parades. I just went down Johnson street and also Bertrand Drive, there a barricades in the middle of the streets, blocking off the 2 center lanes, one lane of traffic is open each way. What a nigntmare!!!!!! The barricades end on Bertrand at the UL property. The Lafayette traffic is bad enough but this makes it worse. Maybe if you circled around by turning right on Congress from Bertrand, left on Vital, left onto Johnson and that would take you to Meaux Blvd. GOOD LUCK!
Suzanne
USA - Monday, March 03, 2003 at 14:17:08 (EST)

I saw the Sugar and Spice group too. They must have been having fun! New York is a great place to visit. Lucky kids! The Costumes were satin clowns with gold ruffeled collars. They are all different colors. Really cute and very easy to make. I think I will make all the grandchildren clown costumes next year. Didn't think about doing that this year and I ran out of time. Keeping a 15month old is a full time job. She is really good but she weighs a ton and the old back is giving out. HAPPY MARDI GRAS!
Suzanne
USA - Monday, March 03, 2003 at 10:13:22 (EST)

Hey did you guys see the "Sugar and Spice" dance group on ABC Good Morning America this morning? They are from Lafayette, LA!!! They were 'featured' on the weather section! They didn't perform or anything, but ABC spent more time showing the group than any other group I have seen them feature!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Monday, March 03, 2003 at 08:32:24 (EST)

What can I say Suzanne!!!!! You are just young at heart. I imagine if I had Rachael down here I would go stand along the parade route too (well, she would have to get a little older). I am sure its fun to watch your grandchildren having fun and catching all the beads. I saw the page costumes at your house and they were gorgeous, what are the tumbler costumes like? Brenda, I'm sure the architects would have apoplexy if you left those added on steps when they visited----I imagine they would think you were corrupting the lines!!!!!!!! You will have the perfect spot to watch the parade if your Aunt lives on Meaux Blvd. I hope you don't have a difficult time getting to her house. Better come early so you can get by the blockades. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 02, 2003 at 21:22:02 (EST)

OK Betty, I almost got caught at Albertsons yesterday. We must have just missed each other. I'm baby sitting with Emily until Wednesday and had to miss the parade Saturday night, it was the Krewe of Bonapart and the floats are usually very pretty. The ball is tomorrow night and I think I'll go to that for a little while. I will be back stage at the Krewe of Gabriel with the pages. I have to see my costumes on the stage and brag a little. They conned me into making those 7 clown costumes for the tumblers. Couldn't pass up the money. Suzie is staying here for the next few days so she will watch the baby. Michelle lives 1/2 block from Johnson so we can park there if we want to go to the parades. I love Mardi Gras. Y'all are just getting old!!!!!!!!
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, March 02, 2003 at 15:46:49 (EST)

Betty, we count the times that John has had to remove ALL of the furniture in the Zachary House for various reasons at about four or five. However, he also has, down to a science, a way to remove the wooden stairs which he added for our convenience whenever architects are visiting the site. They take away from the purity of the lines or some such arch/speak. Speaking of Mardi Gras parades, our family has a big reunion on Mardi Gras day on the lot next to my aunts' home on Meaux Blvd. because the parades come right by. I hope the weather is good this year as we are coming with grandchildren.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, March 02, 2003 at 14:18:25 (EST)

Brenda, I was just re-reading the article in Budget Living. How many times has the Zachary House been re-decorated? I liked the art work you displayed. Did I tell you that Stephen looks just like you? He is a really talented young man. Betty We are usually gone during Mardi Gras season and now I remember why we would leave town. I think we have only been here once in 30 years. Yesterday I couldn't get to Albertson's for groceries because of the parades. I tried again after 4 PM mass and almost didn't make it because the crowds were gathering for the 6:00 parade-----some people even had their barbeque pits behind their pickup trucks in the Albertson's parking lot. I am definitely getting "old" because it certainly seems easier to stay home and barbeque---if you are drinking and partying it seems worth the trouble (I guess). :)))))
Betty
USA - Sunday, March 02, 2003 at 12:33:22 (EST)

I too am sorry to hear about the death of Bro. Albert. I saw Sister Hillary at a funeral in New Orleans about a month ago. She didn't look much older than we are. I also saw Rosella's sister, Lolita, last night at a wedding and she said that Rosella had a great time visiting with all of her classmates when she came. Gerald, there is a Mulattes in Baton Rouge, and when we want to introduce our company to Cajun flavor, we bring them there. There is a dance floor also, but it seems to be a little larger than the one in Lafayette. Betty, how's Billy getting along?
Brenda
USA - Sunday, March 02, 2003 at 10:08:31 (EST)

Sorry to hear about Bro Albert. He had a great deal of influence in my life also. He told me in my senior year that I was lazy and would never amount to anything. That stuck with me to this day as I set out to prove him wrong. He spoke the truth and turned my life around. Although I know only about half of you who write in the Guestbook I enjoy catching up with you ocassionally. My prayers are with Bro Albert and wish the best to all.
Boo Latiolais <deltalatcholay@a0l.com>
Jennings, LA USA - Saturday, March 01, 2003 at 09:07:41 (EST)

Bad news for the guys from Cathedral. I called Bro. Albert (aka John Walsh) just to touch base and see if he would be willing to come to the 50th reunion and was told he passed away last year sometimes. He was 80. I know how much we all loved him. Let's keep him in mind when we go to Mass this weekend. I was speaking to Gerald at the ballgame the other night and he said it was Bro. Albert that helped him choose his path in life. I know he did that to thousands of other young men. The last time I saw him was in El Paso when Barbara and I were on vacation. It was about 8 years ago and believe it or not he hadn't changed a bit. He still looked the same. He was still taking care of his mother. He had tried to retire 3 times. He received the Presidents medal for Math. He was then into computers. He was teaching a bunch of kids after school how to use the computer. I know he will be missed by many. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, February 28, 2003 at 07:47:20 (EST)

Mulates was enlarged several years ago. It was doubled in size and the bar was moved from the center rear to the right rear. The dance floor remained the same, very small and cozy. There is no longer a juke box. They have a cajun band nightly and on weekends they have a band for lunch and dinner. The seafood gumbo and fried catfish are awsume. They now have tour buses that regularly stop there. The name came from the man that initially owned it Mulate Guidry. Betty there was a Four Roses just before Duson on the left at what they called the four corners. Cecil Trahan's dad owned Leon's Lounge in downtown Duson which the class of '56 frequented more than we did. Our favorite places were more The Peacock, Voorhies Roof Garden and The Top Hat (drive-in and lounge). We use to say Lafayette had as many lounges as fill in stations.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 15:35:23 (EST)

J.J., I'll send you my e-mail address. Why don't you send the picture to OP so he can put it on the website too - I'll bet everyone would like to see it. I understand Costa Rico is really nice - have fun and catch two HUGE sail fish. Gerald, the last time I was at Mulates was about 10 years ago. It looked as if they hadn't changed the interior since our highschool days---do you think its the same or is my memory playing tricks on me again? Have fun at all the Mardi Gras doings. The last ball I went to was 25 years ago. We are usually out of town. Doris, my mother would have had a fit too if she had known we went to Mulates. A nightclub on Sunday night and we were on the highway with those "boys" who probably had a beer or two---plus IT WAS OUT OF TOWN to boot!!!!!!!Mama would have probably punished me for a year!!!!!!!! I remember having a few dates with a SLI football player (can't even remember his name) and we went to some bar in Duson (I think) ---they would go there bécause it was out of town and they were in training and couldn't drink----Duson was so far out of town they felt like no one would see them. Isn't that funny. I think that bar is still there - its the Four Roses or something like that. Did any of you go there? I wonder if Duson is further from Lafayette than Mulates? Billy saw the orthopedic surgeon yesterday and he is on the mend. He starts increasing his exercise ---its a two handed exercise using a GOLF CLUB ----no swinging though ---just having the club in his hands will probably make him feel better.
Betty
USA - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 09:24:57 (EST)

Oh, Gerald, you brought back many memories of Mulates. Remember all those times we went dancing there in high school. Just about every week-end for a while there. We had so much fun. I think every week I would have a date with a differant one of you guys. I never told my mom I was going to Mulates, she would've died if she knew I was on the "Hiway" going "out of town" which is where she considered Breaux Bridge. I didn't know they still had Mulates. The next time we go to Lafayette, we have to go. Have a Happy Mardi Gras.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 23:44:13 (EST)

Happy to hear that Billy is doing better and that everyone seems to be experiencing improving health. "Health is our wealth", as they say. We began the Mardi Gras season last night with a little dancing at Mulates in Breaux Bridge. That was the place to go, especially on Sundays when we were at SLI. The large parades will begin Friday night. We are planning to boil 200 pounds of crawfish and witness some of our grandchildren who are in the crew of Triton. Saturday is the crew of Bonnaporte and most of our children and their spouses are participating. By the time Mardi Gras arrives we will be pooped.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 10:23:18 (EST)

Betty, shuttle debris article was in the Lafourche Gazette, 12958 East Main Street Larose, LA, 985-693 -7229. They do not have a www address. The pictures did not scan well into news print. He owner and publisher is my neighbor. I was able to obtain the original pictures. If you send me your e-mail address, I will send them to you. They show a burnt piece of tubing and a bag of black burned grass taken from the site. The debris was bagged by the time the photographer arrived. If you send my your e-mail I will send a copy of the original photo. I hope that Billy has a speedy recovery. Brenda I bought a copy of Budget Living and say our picture. You have such a right to be proud of you son and the beautiful house that he designed for you. Last Sunday was our Krews parade. The weather was great and the crowds are huge. I came home with a bad sun burn and sore arm. People come from the surrounding towns to come to the parade. It is safe and you come home with more breads than you can carry without a large bag. I am going away Saturday to Costa Rica with my oldest son, my daughter and their spouses. We are going bill fishing. Lita and I want to catch a sail fish. Hopefully more fish pictures to follow.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 08:49:09 (EST)

Billy is back at home and feeling really good. We see the orthopedic surg. tomorrow for the shoulder. By the way, he had absolutely no pain from the shoulder surgery. The doctor used something called a "pain buster" and whether it was that or our prayers (probably both) he had no pain----which I think is incredible because I understand that rotator cuff surgery can be quite painful. He is hoping he can once again play golf once this heals. The cardologist said his heart appears to be OK for his age, but on Mar. 12 he will see him and then proceed from there with the tests. We are HAPPY to be home!!!! Rickey, thanks for the phone call even tho I missed it - appreciate your offer of help too. Doris, Mar. 24th will be here before you know it so be sure and have Charles keep us up-to-date on your surgery. Sue, got your message too. Thanks again everyone. Betty
Betty
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 18:05:51 (EST)

Great news, Betty! Keep us posted on Billy's recovery.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at 10:34:37 (EST)

My little machine is a little slow. The messages about Billy didn't come up until tonight so I didn't even have time to say a prayer for him. Thank goodness he is doing ok now and it's never too late to pray. I'll keep in touch.
Suzanne
USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 23:32:59 (EST)

I too just had a nuclear stress test. I couldn't do the regular stress test because of my hip. It is a breeze. Lot easier than the walking.
Doris
USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 23:06:12 (EST)

Betty, I just got finished with a nuclear stress test. It's a breeze. They inject medicine in your vein and then take pictures of it to see how your heart reacts. They are checking for blockage in the veins. Tell Billy not to worry. It's a snap. If you need anything I will make myself available to you. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 19:15:24 (EST)

Betty, that is wonderful news. I am so happy for you. Sometimes things like this happens just to get us in touch with our bodies. Now Billy will feel better after the test knowing there is nothing wrong.
Doris
USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 19:05:26 (EST)

I just wanted to thank everyone for the prayers for Billy. Billy is still in the hospital, but this morning we got good news from our cardiologist. He removed all the IVs and oxygen and said he didn't think there was anything wrong with his heart, but have an overload of fluids during and after surgery. But once his shoulder has healed he will put him through a battery of tests ---nuclear stress tests and other tests I've not heard of just to make sure. Anyway, we are all feeling better today. I will keep everyone up-to-date and thanks again for the prayers. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, February 24, 2003 at 16:01:27 (EST)

ATTENTION !!! PRAYERS NEEDED !!! I just got an e-mail from Betty and she said she had to rush Billy back to the hospital after he had come home from the hospital following the surgery on his shoulder. The shoulder is doing fine, but he started with shortness of breath and the Dr.'s diagnosed it as early stages of congested heart failure. This happened yesterday. She said Carleen and Phil rushed over there and helped her bring him back to the hospital. Please keep him and her in your prayers.
Doris
USA - Sunday, February 23, 2003 at 16:36:00 (EST)

ATTENTION !!! PRAYERS NEEDED !!!
Doris
USA - Sunday, February 23, 2003 at 16:30:04 (EST)

Just walked thru the door from a weekend retreat for those recovering from the disease of alcoholism. Great weekend as always. Have another next weekend. Also met a kid on this weekend who is hard of hearing, so there is a chance I will now be involved with a sign language group of AA members. God is good. Brenda it is bright sunshine out and temperature in the 70's headed for the 80's!!! Rickey Orlando is about a three hour drive from here, but if they are willing to drive here they are welcome...will not be in next weekend however.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Sunday, February 23, 2003 at 11:50:41 (EST)

Gee Brenda thanks for the good words. What would we do without you? Something must be up because I had a dream and you were in it last night. I remember asking you about John and what he looked like and things like that. Looks like all the news is good. Harvey is moving back to Cajun Country and Avis is getting good reports and Carleen stays in good health. You know if we let this web go by we will get just like we were before without contact with anyone. Come on guys use the devise that OP gave us. And it free. Larry what's up with you? Anyone knows if Ray Domengeaux has internet? How about Roland Trahan? He is now retired and probably has the internet but doesn't know about our web site. Harold how are things with you and your wife? Many unanswered questions. Gerald responds pretty regularly. We need to get something to tell us about everyone. Maybe we can do it for our next reunion. It's coming fast. Marshall how are things over there? My son and his family are going to your part of the woods next Friday. He is the son with a son with MD. They are going to Orlando. His boy is only 7 and one of the 2 boys to carry on the Gutierrez name. So sad. Let's keep this site hopping. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, February 23, 2003 at 09:01:36 (EST)

Where is everyone? Guess I'll ask a few questions: Betty, how is Billy's healing coming along? I hope he's not too sore. Sue, where are the pictures of you sitting on the Pope's lap? Marshall, are you having winter weather at all??? O.P., what's going on in the N.E.? The news is full of all of those tragedies. Gerald, thanks for the news of Harvey. Harvey, are you on-line yet? Rickey, thanks for the uplifting attitude you always maintain. Doris, thanks for the information on artists' work. Henrietta, where do you get all of those things you send us? Rosella, thanks for that very cute e-mail. Carleen, are you reading these letters without writing? Any of the rest of you guilty of not letting us know what you're up to while reading what we are up to?? Avis, we're pulling for you. Take care on those snowy roads.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 17:14:48 (EST)

I was so happy to hear a report from Avis that I forgot the questions I was supposed to answer. We will be praying, Avis. It sounds like quite a lot is packed into your trip! By the way, everyone, just for a smile, check out the following website: http://members.accessus.net/~tmcdonld/lighthse/foot134.htm
Brenda
USA - Thursday, February 20, 2003 at 12:24:23 (EST)

It was good to hear from you, Avis. I know we will all be continuing our prayers for you. Let us hear from you when you return. I loved Charleston when Billy and I visited there many years ago. A few days at the beach sounds great. Congratulations on your new grandchild-to-be. We'll think pink too. My first grandchild was born on Nov. 22, 2002---she is a honey and I can't wait to return to Philadelphia to visit and play with her. Carleen is doing wonderfully well and I think I have finally made the turn and I am feeling really good myself. The old ticker is still weak, but thanks to the pacemaker/defib. I am able to function----I just get tired really easily. Billy had his left rotator cuff repaired Tuesday. He is doing well and I am on my way to Lourdes right now. Our prayers go with you. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, February 20, 2003 at 08:35:26 (EST)

Hi everyone! Brenda, my older granddaughter shares a birthday with you—good karma for her. I'm going to be a grandmother again...late August or early September. My older daughter Shaun and her husband John are having a surprise! Seems that I remember a few surprises among our classmates, too. We are all thrilled and thinking pink! They have two boys. I will be leaving Friday for Winston-Salem to have a consultation and tests on the 26th and 27th. Keep the prayer lines open, please. Have a mile-long list of to-do's before I leave, so not much time to write now, but I'll let you know how everything went. I'm going to do some research on the way back in South Carolina and have a visit with Paul's sister in Rock Hill and my aunt and uncle (Daddy's sister) in Summerville, right outside of Charleston. They have a great beach house at Edisto Island, so we will head down there for a few days, too. I'm looking forward to a change of scenery. Love, Avis
Avis Rupert <arupert@houston.rr.com>
Houston, TX USA - Thursday, February 20, 2003 at 01:20:15 (EST)

Just wanted to let everyone know that Harvey has just leased a Townhouse for a year on Cherry St. just down the street from where OP was raised on Calder St. He will remain in Lafayette until after Mardi Gras and move in around March 15. He told me he will be next door to Weldon Mouton, Mike Moutons older brother. We have been playing golf together whenever the weather permits.
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 19:39:34 (EST)

BRENDA, I found a copy of Budget Living at Walden Book Store in the mall. I hadn,t understood that John had built it. That was a big job. Your pictures were great and Stephen looks just like you. Do you ever go out there and spend the night? It looks like a wonderful retreat. What's next?
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 09:48:54 (EST)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to everyone who has a birthday this month. Yesterday was Phil LeBlanc's. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, A DAY LATE! OP, Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr! It makes me shiver to watch the weather up there. Have yall been able to get out? It looks beautiful but I'll take our rain. Stay warm!
Suzanne
USA - Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 11:11:37 (EST)

Doris said that Rosemary's birthday is tomorrow, the 18th; Maugie's is the 20th and hers is the 21st. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 10:54:19 (EST)

Doris, when is your birthday, exactly?
Brenda
USA - Monday, February 17, 2003 at 19:32:02 (EST)

Isn't that a lovely message from Ghana!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Monday, February 17, 2003 at 18:00:42 (EST)

No matter who decorates I'll bet your friends love to get invitations for dinner at your home!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Monday, February 17, 2003 at 12:20:41 (EST)

I think I have to clarify what I said again. John doesn't decorate the table or the house, I do that. I meant he usually makes the dishes look colorful and artfull. We both clean up afterward!!!
Brenda
USA - Monday, February 17, 2003 at 08:01:34 (EST)

Brenda, do you realize how "lucky" you are ----to have a husband who cooks and decorates---people must prize a dinner invitation to your house!!!!!!!. I hope I can find the magazine tomorrow. It was so nasty outside today I didn't leave the house. Have a good week.Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, February 16, 2003 at 20:09:32 (EST)

I surely don't want to give the impression that I do the cooking!!!! No way! I'm with you, Doris. John does the cooking and usually the decorating also. This time, I was intrigued with copying what we saw earlier so I did the decorating.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, February 16, 2003 at 16:24:36 (EST)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Charles. Hope your day is just great. BRENDA, it sounds like your dinner party was very special. It must have been fun to prepare all those special dishes. Still haven't found the magazine. As promised, the picture of the POPE will be on its way this week. Caroline and I started scanning some pictures to send to OP yesterday but the weather didn't cooperate and we had to stop. Maybe we can finish today.
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, February 16, 2003 at 10:59:50 (EST)

Doris, you and Barbara have a lot in common. She is a good cook but she is a "fast" cook. Things seems to go better in the micro. We eat out a lot because it's a little difficult for her to get around in the kitchen. She manages but it could be a lot easier. The last time I had a multi-course dinner it was in Fatima in Portagul. We have a new resturant her called Zea's and when you come to Lafayette you should try it. I spoke to Suzanne and she said that she has some pictures to put up on the website. I'm sure she will get to it soon. She says she has been too busy for the site just now and that's why she hasn't been on it more. Hurry up Suzanne we all miss you.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.coml>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, February 16, 2003 at 08:47:26 (EST)

My Goodness, Brenda, you and John should be in the resturaunt business. When anyone comes to my house it is usually Bar-B-Q served on paper plates in the back yard or a gumbo if it is cold. That's it. Cooking is certainly not my favorite thing to do. I love doing it to get my family or friends together, but ce tout! You can ask poor Charles, the least time I spend in the kitchen the better. I believe in those quick & fast meals. That is why I do enjoy an fancy meal OUT when I can get one!
Doris
USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 22:14:51 (EST)

Let's see if I can remember to answer all of the questions. Doris, wish Charles a very happy birthday from all of us. I'll bet he celebrates for a few days like I do every year: Valentine's Day, then my birthday, etc. Sue, I am 66 today. I read some where that we get more valuable as we get older because we have silver in our hair, gold in our teeth, and gas in our stomach. Rickey, we are so proud of all of our children because they are all good Christians, great parents to our grandchildren, and good citizens. What more could we ask for? Betty, you should have seen the meal John and I served last week!!! We had 7 courses, one fancier than the last one. We had eaten at a elegant resturant a few weeks before and we reproduced the meal for eight people. The first course was 3 shrimp on a light pesto sauce. They were peeled except for the fins, standing up on the sauce with long, thin strings of browned yams draped over them like the shrimp feelers. I worked for days figuring out how to make them. We also had "confetti" around the rim of the salad plates which was made of tiny pieces of green parsley, purple cabbage, and yellow peppers. It was a Mardi Gras theme. We are cooking tonight for company, but tres ordinaire.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 18:34:09 (EST)

Brenda, I forgot to tell you Charles' birthday is tomorrow. We are going to bar-b-q at Mitch's. Looks like all FAMOUS people were born in Feb. huh?
Doris
USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 17:51:29 (EST)

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Brenda. Still haven't found a copy of Budget Living--- your relatives must have bought the magazines here in Lafayette. I'll try to look at Barnes and Noble again---I give up on Books a Million here. I really want to see the Zachary House spread ---I just loved that unique house and all the symbolism. Did the article include the symbolisms ---I loved the free standing chimney depicting the days after the Civil War when that was all that was left standing when lots of the men returned to their homes. For some reason that lone chimney captured my imagination. WOW---OPRAH---be sure to let us know if this happens. He's famous now, but his name will be familiar to millions of people if that comes about. Is John cooking you a special dinner? Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 15:58:14 (EST)

I too wish you a very happy Birthday Brenda. Isn't it great being alive. I believe it when they say the best is yet to come. I can imagine how proud you and John are of all your children. It's great to see one of our children gain national acceptance. I guess this made you birthday. Barbara and I went to give talk to a group of Widowed and Single ladies at St. Elizabeth Seton church last night and they asked us to stay for gumbo but I told them I wanted to take my wife out on Valentines day. Anyway I told her we could go anywhere she wanted to and she picked Dean'os Pizza. It was great.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, L USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 13:12:23 (EST)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRENDA. I too haven't been able to find a copy of the magazine. It must be very popular. Have a great day. Are you 65 or 66?
Suzanne
USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 10:50:13 (EST)

Thanks for the birthday greetings! No, O.P., Stephen's wife is not in any pictures. She wasn't there for the shoot. In fact, her name or pictures are not any place on any website. She has a great fear of such publicity as she is from Bulgaria and it was another world. She and Stephen live in New York and she teaches at Columbia. I hope everyone enjoyed a very loving Valentine's Day with your spouses.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 09:57:47 (EST)

Happy Birthday Brenda, I didn't realize you were older than me!(By one week) Hope you have a good day.
Doris
USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 09:16:44 (EST)

Brenda!!! Happy Birthday!!! Shirley and I were walking at the mall yesterday and remembered to buy the Magazine Budget Living. That is quite a spead of you all. Very Very Nice presentation. You and John look like "proud parents". Is that Steven's wife in the picture too?
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 09:11:54 (EST)

Someone sent me this site for daily prayer: www.jesuit.ie/prayer/ It has a "novena" for world peace (though I couldn't find it this morning). Thanks, everyone, for looking for Budget Living. Stephen got a call from the Oprah Winfrey show, but I don't know what that will lead to, maybe nothing. He thinks they want to have a Before and After about it. It has now been "redone" about 5 times and that has lost its charm. Anyway, today is my birthday.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 09:06:22 (EST)

Ha! Brenda notice "rusty tin" was in quotes...I was quoting you!!! :-)
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 18:36:26 (EST)

Well I went to Barnes and Noble over here and they had sold out of the Budget Living mag. But she said they would probably get more on Mon. So I will keep trying.
Doris
USA - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 16:48:51 (EST)

The Lafayette Books-a-Million leaves a lot to be desired!! Marshall, quit knocking the little tin house. It has been worth its weight in gold (I mean tin.)
Brenda
USA - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 16:42:45 (EST)

I love your site - please keep up the good work! Samantha Williams
Samantha Williams <willsamantha4@yahoo.com>
USA, none USA - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 16:29:30 (EST)

Great shots of the little "rusty tin" house Brenda! Isn't it amazing what photography can do? Good poses of all of you!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 17:38:49 (EST)

Brenda, I went out to Books-a-Million today and they still didn't have the issue----I didn't have time to go to Barnes & Noble because I was late for an appt. Anyway, just now I logged on to the Budget Living website and they showed an article about Stephen Atkinson. I couldn't go to it though. Anyway, its exciting and I will find the magazine somewhere. Books-a-Million isn't well staffed---they could have had it, but the salesgirl couldn't find it (and neither could I.)
Betty
USA - Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at 18:24:11 (EST)

J.J., what is the name of the newspaper so we can see the picture of the debris----send me its www.address. Thanks
Betty
USA - Monday, February 10, 2003 at 20:12:33 (EST)

J.J., aren't you sweet to THINK of getting a copy of Budget Living. I know about Books-a-Million,Barnes & Noble AND Amazon.com. Between them all, John must spend our whole budget every week. We can't even find a place for all of his books and periodicals!! What do you like to read? I have to have a book going all of the time, but I reread my favorites quite often.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, February 09, 2003 at 18:53:28 (EST)

Shuttle debris. It was one piece of tubing. Phil does not read the right papers, and you know you cannot believe what you need in the newspapers. The owner of the local paper is my neighbor. He sent out his photographer to take picture of it. It is a weekly and should appear in the next addition. The shuttle police appeared and took it away. They were there in a couple of hours. Yhry was not real they were hot to pick up a model T tire. I can assume that it was genuine since it appeared buried in the front yard of David Orgeron’s house the day of the shuttle incident. I can only assume that it was real. Brenda, you are going to cost me money. The only place around here that I can find a copy of Budge Living is at Books-a-Million. I cannot get out that place for less than $200.00.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, February 09, 2003 at 15:28:18 (EST)

Billy and I just had dinner with Carleen and Phil. J. J., Phil asked me to ask you "Are you sure the shuttle debris wasn't an old Model-T tire." He didn't read about any debris falling in Louisiana!!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Saturday, February 08, 2003 at 22:07:48 (EST)

Have any of you tried Mr. Keets Restaurant, Maurice, La.? We did last night and the boiled crayfish were great. Seasoned the way we like them. Its also a very nice restaurant.
Betty
USA - Saturday, February 08, 2003 at 22:04:19 (EST)

Brenda, I tried last week to find this month's issue of Budget Living, but all I could find was Dec.-Jan. issues. It hasn't been delivered to the bookstores yet or at least it wasn't there when I looked. I'll try again this weekend. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, February 08, 2003 at 08:53:16 (EST)

Thanks, Gerald, for the e-mail address. I'm anxious to use it because two of my nephews, Mark Meaux and Willie Golden, are members of the Bluerunners and Sarah Golden is the sister of one of them. Has ANYONE seen the Feb. issue of "Budget Living"? My picture is in it.
Brenda
USA - Friday, February 07, 2003 at 16:59:12 (EST)

J.J. that is amazing. Was it just one piece?
Betty
USA - Friday, February 07, 2003 at 11:06:06 (EST)

The neighbors tell me that Space Shuttle debris fell in Larose, about 700 yards from my house. The Shuttle police came by and picked it up in a wink. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Friday, February 07, 2003 at 08:52:21 (EST)

Just noticed in The Times of Acadiana, our middle of the week entertainment weekly, has already started publicising Mardi Gras in Lafayette. Brenda the Blue Moon Saloon has a web site which will feature the Blue Runners on Lundi Gras. Their address is Mark@bluemoonpresents.com. Check it out.
Gerald Reaux
Lafayette, La. USA - Thursday, February 06, 2003 at 19:08:38 (EST)

For those of you who did not see the demolition of "Voorhies and McCullough" buildings on USL (UL) Campus, the videos are online. Go to The Daily Advertiser online and you can download the videos. They didn't work yesterday, but they are working today!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, February 05, 2003 at 10:16:46 (EST)

Now Marshall National is part of Alamo. So in a way you were right. The parent company of Avis has bought Budget. I think National went bankrupt. There is more and more of that nowdays. How are things going in Sunny Flordia? I didn't want to see Chicago but I guess I will have to because everyone says how good it is. Even OP. Nothing is happening over here lately. It's time for baseball at UL. The season starts Friday. I can't wait. Barbara and I both enjoy getting out. We have seats with people who have become friends since we starting going to the game. They should have a great team this year. It's exciting. If they run a bus to Nebraska to play the University of Nebraska I think Barbara and I might get on that one and travel.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayettel, La USA - Tuesday, February 04, 2003 at 18:30:29 (EST)

Hi gang, Saw the movie "Chicago"...GREAT. It's worth it just to watch Richard Gere dance
Carroll Comeaux <cjcchs56@aol>
Breaux Bridge, La USA - Tuesday, February 04, 2003 at 18:07:29 (EST)

Betty you remind me of myself. I was visiting friends one night and they said they had rented a car....I named: Hertz, Avis, National, Budget, and Enterprise. They kept saying NO it was another Major one...like an Indian. I thought and thought and told them they had to be mistaken because those were the ONLY major car rentals in the United States. The next day she found their receipt!!! It was Alamo!!! I had completely forgotten about them.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Tuesday, February 04, 2003 at 17:15:15 (EST)

Rickey, Avis Rental never crossed my mind ----I just thought you were going to visit "our" Avis.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, February 04, 2003 at 15:02:53 (EST)

No Betty, I'm not going to visit Avis. I work for Avis at the airport shuttling cars from here to there or from there to here. I have been working for them for 9 years now and it's only part time. I love it. I'm still trying to get over the Columbia tragedy. It will be hard. I can imagine the families. I know they are in all of our prayers.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, L USA - Tuesday, February 04, 2003 at 09:13:13 (EST)

Great Website! Very informative... Must sell or Need to sell a house in Orlando? We Buy Houses! Behind in payments, stop foreclosure, Estate sale, need repairs, We do it all! (407) 97-Super Deal. http://SellYesterday.com
We Buy Houses <ibuyhouses@nospammailcity.com>
Orlando, Fl USA - Tuesday, February 04, 2003 at 00:32:18 (EST)

Brenda, I was just at Books-A-Million ----they had Budget Living, but it was the Dec.-Jan. issue. The salesman told me they hadn't received this months issue. I will keep looking for it. Rickey, are you going to visit Avis?
Betty
USA - Monday, February 03, 2003 at 16:49:43 (EST)

No Brenda, I don't know anything about the Blue Moon. The only thing I know is I went there for a tour guide job and he was not insterested. He does city tours and I wanted area tours that would give me some time and money. I decided to stay with Avis. I haven't heard that any pieces of the shuttle landed in Lafayette either. Seems the paper would have said something. I did hear that a piece might have landed in Metairie around New Orleans. Barbara said that she heard that some fishermen in Telodo lake were fishing and a piece as large as a small compact car fell. The got the GPS and told the authorities where it was exactly and they are supposed to send divers to recover it. Boy that must have been a surprise. We can put them in on our prayer list.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comll>
Lafayette, LA USA - Monday, February 03, 2003 at 07:59:56 (EST)

Betty, I don't know which stores have them. We got some at Books-a-Million and I saw that they were at Walmart. I don't know where else. We went to Lafayette today to visit my aunts. Then we ate lunch at Bailey's on Johnson. The traffic going west on I-10 was at a standstill for 21 miles!! We heard that next week they will close one lane of the Eastbound side. Take 190 if you are traveling in this direction in the near future. By the way, I heard that Sarah Golden was awesome at the Blue Moon place. I also heard that they perform outside. ? Maybe you know about that, Rickey.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, February 02, 2003 at 19:05:21 (EST)

Brenda, is Budget Living a magazine you can pick up at the grocery store or do I have to go to Barnes and Noble. I'd love to see how they decorated the ZH.
Betty
USA - Sunday, February 02, 2003 at 11:11:31 (EST)

Betty, they didn't say. They said "LAfayette" in that way that everyone who is not from Lafayette pronounces it. By the way, have you seen a copy of the latest Budget Living? I want you to see how they changed up the decor, inside AND out.
B
USA - Sunday, February 02, 2003 at 08:24:41 (EST)

Brenda, I didn't hear that ---where in Lafayette? I heard pieces were found in Alexandria. This morning there were two buildings imploded at USL just about the time the shuttle was due to pass over Lafayette --- and until I turned on the TV I thought that was perhaps the reason we didn't hear the sonic boom. But,of course, it never made it---its so sad---all those bright and very brave people gone in a matter of minutes.
BETTY
USA - Saturday, February 01, 2003 at 21:49:09 (EST)

Just heard on the national news that pieces of the shuttle were found in a town in Louisiana; LAFAYETTE, to be specific. What a disaster!
Brenda
USA - Saturday, February 01, 2003 at 19:41:09 (EST)

Looks like we lost a Shutte!!! Blew up over Texas. RIP
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Saturday, February 01, 2003 at 09:44:00 (EST)

I was wondering about Suzie. I am so glad she is doing o.k. I know surgery can be a scary thing.
Doris
USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 23:32:33 (EST)

Thanks for the prayers. Suzie had her surgery yesterday and everything went well. She is a little sore today and spent most of the day in bed but otherwise she is ok. The wonders of modern medicine. Her doctor says she will feel a lot better in a few days. Thanks again!
Suzanne
USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 22:45:25 (EST)

Yes, Betty it will be cafe and art supply shop. They are really doing a good job. They say the house if very sound for being so old. I think the house was built in 1939. I was only 3 when we moved in. Of course I don't remember. About that time I met OP. His mother said we met when he was only 3years old. Daddy pain I think $1,700 to get it built. Not bad huh? I can remember Mardi Gras and leaving the house unlocked and not worring about anything being stolen. Of course nothing ever was. Couldn't do that now. We're luckey they didn't steal the whole house. Such good memories.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet>
Lafayette, LA USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 16:11:29 (EST)

Doris, everyone else that I have talked to thought the movie was good ---I really didn't like it ---I thought it was slow and almost fell asleep before we left. No doubt the guy was very smart, but lazy. If he'd spent his time in a constructive manner he could have had a good life----he wanted to get it the easy way so he used his smarts to become an excellent con man. I did watch Field of Dreams on tape a couple of years after I initially saw it and I didn't like it the second time either. Guess you and I just don't like the same kind of movies!! I usually love all kinds of movies, but every now and then I run into one I just don't like. We were going to eat with Carleen and Phil and Patsy and Howard tonight, but Billy started feeling bad last night and he thinks he has the flu ---he's had the flu shot, but he is aching, etc.so we aren't meeting them. Brenda, I am going to look for the magazine. The beauty shop I go to is right around the corner and I asked all the young people if they were going to the Blue Moon tonight. I told them they should all go listen to this young girl sing. I was told it is a nice, laid back place that has good music. Ricky they are really working on your old home. What kind of restaurant will it be ---do you know?
Betty
USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 14:29:27 (EST)

Just wanted to tell you that the February issue of the Budget Living Magazine has a lot of coverage on the Zachary house. The pictures are good and the story is very personal. John loved it and they have his picture in the magazine TWICE.
Brenda
USA - Friday, January 31, 2003 at 13:26:41 (EST)

Betty, Charles and I liked it, simply because it was a true story. We couldn't get over how smart that guy was for his age. He was still in his teens when he started doing all this. He posed as an airline pilot, Taught a french class, posed as a Dr. a lawer , passed the La. bar exam after studying for just 2 or 3 weeks. and was an assistant district attorney in New Orleans. At the end of the show it shows how he eventually helps the FBI catch other checks frauds.(or whatever you call them) Anyway we always like movies that are based on true stories. Oh yes Feild of Dreams was a wonderful show, but it was one you had to see all of it, and than ponder on it for a while, to really get the full meaning.
Doris
USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 22:06:51 (EST)

Doris, I was just re-reading the movie reviews ---I thought someone said they were going to see Catch Me and it was you ---I should have checked with you. Did you and Charles like it? I am always interested in what other peoples reactions are. I remember years ago Mamie Onebane and I went to see "Field of Dreams" and we hated it and left way before it was over----then I learned that everyone LOVED it---well, the two of us didn't. Let me know.
Betty
USA - Thursday, January 30, 2003 at 19:58:00 (EST)

I'm always making spelling errors - its "decent"---not descent. O.P. we need "spell check" :)
Betty
USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 17:44:40 (EST)

THAT IS A GREAT PICTURE, O.P. I wish I could have joined you---no one likes war but if we don't stop this madman who will. I hope the people support our troops and its not a repeat of the Viet Nam ordeal, but I see them coming out of the walls already. If and when there is another attack, it will make the WTC attack look like a cake walk. I have confidence in our President to do the right thing and I think God will help him make the right decisions. I think he is a good and descent man.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 17:38:56 (EST)

JJ, I think Marshall has it right, nobody likes war... but this guy has to go. I have confidence in our current President in that he will make the right decisions for us. I have so much confidence in him, I went down to the White House today to show my support for him. I brought my Bush2004 signs with me. You can see my picture in the popup on http://w-04.com .
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 18:38:45 (EST)

Listening to "Blue Moon" at the "Blue Moon Saloon" at 215 E. Convent St. sounds like the place to be Friday night. I just sold my two rent houses almost immediately back to back of this place, on Stewart ST. I have not been there yet, but am planning to do so. Unfortunately we are staying with our oldest son's three children starting Wed. until this weekend. He and his wife's family are going to the Mardi Gras ball in Washington D.C. It's nice to revisit those old places in Lafayette. That is where our Heart's are.
Gerald Reaux
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 17:07:53 (EST)

BRENDA, Michelle (my oldest) lives on Main street just around the corner from the Blue Moon. I'll ask her if she will be going on Friday. She says it's a very nice place to go. I think they have an older crowd. WOW!
Suzanne
USA - Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 09:47:00 (EST)

I don't know of anyone in their right mind who "likes" war J.J. There is no short way to answer your question. As a practicing Judge you didn't have the luxuary of going off into the World of fantasy. With all the movie goers these days, I think many people avoid reality by living in a fantasy World. What do you do when a Nation ignores the U.N., an organization which the U.S. basically supports by itself FOR THE VERY PURPOSE of peace without violence, violates resolutions for 12 years? According to Dun-Tzy's philosophy, couldn't that be "defeating the enemy (U.S. and the World) without ever fighting?" Since Bush has to live in the World of reality, I think he will make a decision by the end of February. I think we should take a cenuse of "Male" births since Jan 1. As the Irish say: "Majority of 'Male' births means War."
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 09:30:31 (EST)

Brenda, that saloon she is singing at is the old Gahn House. That was Mary Elizabeth's grandfather. It was just down the street from my house and across the street from Bordens. The home has been turned into a hostel. I think the saloon is the old greenhouse or toolshed or something like that. The whole neighborhood has been changed. Now it's all commercial. I sold my old home and it is going to be a cafe and art shop. I'm glad they are keeping the house in tact because it sure brings back a lot of memories. Every time I pass it I think of something from the past. It might be my old dogs or going to school or going down the street to see Dale Gaudet. Gerald lived not too far from me. A few hundred years age OP used to live down the street on E. Convent St. He moved to Calder when he was still young. Nothing is like the OLD TIMES.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, LA USA - Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 08:09:34 (EST)

Harry Potter! By far Harry Potter! After 13 years on the bench and constant exposure to hard reality, I need dose of pure mindless friction, with the good guys and the bad guys laid out for all to see. On exactly the opposite note I began to re read “The Art Of War” by Dun-Tzu. Referring to war he says that: “Ultimate excellence lies not from winning every battle but in defeating, the enemy without ever fighting.” I hope that Bush has read the book and this what he is doing. O. P. & Marshall what do you think. My expert civilian “consultant” tells me that if Saddam is not gone by the middle of Feb. or at the latest the middle of March it will start.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Lockport, La USA - Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 07:05:34 (EST)

Nice Page! Greets from Germany!
Handylogos Klingeltöne <webmaster@handylogo-download.de>
nuremberg, bavaria Germany - Monday, January 27, 2003 at 17:23:23 (EST)

I just looked at Sarah's website: SarahGolden.com and saw that the radio station is: KPFT, 90.1 FM The name of her C.D. is "Truth." The songs she has written are unusual, but I heard her sing that old song,"Blue Moon" and I never realized that it was really a melancholy, bluesy song, at least the way she sings it.
Brenda
USA - Monday, January 27, 2003 at 15:09:58 (EST)

Brenda, I forgot to ask you what radio station here in Houston is she singing on?
Doris
USA - Monday, January 27, 2003 at 13:59:33 (EST)

Brenda, I forgot to ask you what radio station here in Houston is she singing on?
Doris
USA - Monday, January 27, 2003 at 13:58:44 (EST)

Brenda, is it slow Jazz she sings? That is very popular over here in Houston. In fact they just recentaly have a new radio station dedicated just to this kind of jazz. I like it. It is very relaxing music.
Doris
USA - Monday, January 27, 2003 at 13:57:43 (EST)

I just wanted to tell you that my youngest sister, Judy, who is married to a Cathedral graduate, Frank Golden, has a young daughter, Sarah (18), who has been singing in Houston and her C.D. is played on the radio stations there. She sings in a style I can't identfy, kind of like blues, I guess. She is going to be singing at the Blue Moon Saloon at 215 E. Convent St.in Lafayette this Friday. The show also features Wendy Colonna, an Austin based singer.
Brenda Atkinson
USA - Monday, January 27, 2003 at 13:02:48 (EST)

Well Marshall your team won. Boy did they win. Oakland wasn't even in the game. I kinda thought they were going to pull a Saints. You know having a big lead and then losing it in the end. I can't say I was sorry because I neve have liked the Raiders but didn't think Tampa could overcome their offense. Well we can say we beat the winner of the Super Bowl twice in the same season therefore we are the better team. Ha Ha. I couldn't get insterested in the game. I channeled back and forth during the regular tv schedule. I guess the Saints have spoiled football for me. Hope all is well over there and you won a lot of money on the Super Bowl tho I cannot figure who you would bet with in Flordia.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, LA USA - Monday, January 27, 2003 at 08:51:17 (EST)

HOW ABOUT THEM BUCS???????
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, January 26, 2003 at 23:55:09 (EST)

Well Marshall, looks like your team won! They sure did play well tonite. We were pulling for the Bucs because our daughter and her family live there. I know all those Garcia's were jumping with joy.
Doris
USA - Sunday, January 26, 2003 at 22:46:22 (EST)

It looks like we are finally back on line. Sorry for the outage. We were caught in that virus/worm attack on Saturday. The network we are on in Atlanta got hit.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, January 26, 2003 at 02:44:50 (EST)

No, Betty, we didn't see ANALYZE THAT. We did go to see THE PIANIST today. It was as good as SHINDLER'S LIST and left you just as shaken. When you leave the theater, it takes a minute to realize that you are so free and you feel like you should look over your shoulder. Thinking of people still living in fear like that is the only thing that makes going to war to free them understandable.
Brenda Atkinson
USA - Friday, January 24, 2003 at 23:38:36 (EST)

BRENDA, did you all see "Analyze That" ---was it any good? RICKEY, thanks for the movie invite ---four o'clock isn't a good time for me because I am usually in the kitchen cooking supper!!! But tell Barbara if she goes to an early movie to call ---- I'll try to meet her --- I'll put a camelia in my hair :) does camelia have one or two "Ls"---someone else used to tell me I resembled Rosemary C ---don't remember who exactly, but I think it was Joel's father. The big eyes I guess. O.P. thanks for putting up the new picture of Rachael---she is really growing. DORIS, I just downloaded the pictures ---your babies are precious. Did Charles build that deck all by himself? Its lovely. You will really enjoy it this spring and summer.
Betty
USA - Friday, January 24, 2003 at 19:28:46 (EST)

Betty I just don't like "shoot them up" movies. I like the tender one also. My list of movies are just about anything I see. I especially like "Pretty Woman". We have it on video tape and I guess I've watched it a dozen times with Barbara. She also like it. Hey Betty I spoke to Barbara and she said she would be glad to have you go to the movie with her. She doesn't remember what you looked like so I told her you look like Rosemary Clooney. I have always thought that.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.coml>
Lafayette, LA USA - Friday, January 24, 2003 at 08:58:58 (EST)

Yes, Brenda we did discover that feature. I especially like the fact that you don't have to rewind. Both the boys have DVD's so we pass the rented movies on to each other. Of course on week-ends when Nick comes we have to watch "Shrek" "Spiderman" and things like that. He has gotten into playing computor games you should see him minipulate the mouse. Pretty good for a three year old. I talked Charles into going to see "Catch Me If You Can" this afternoon.
Doris
USA - Friday, January 24, 2003 at 08:36:57 (EST)

Doris, have you discovered what lagniape you can get with DVD's? On some of them you can see the scenes which were cut out of the movie and interviews with the directors or actors. The movie CHOCOLATE showed the scenes they cut out and it was such a bonus and explained a few things which were confusing in the movie. The difference with renting a video over a DVD is that, when we are through watching it, we can pass it along to our neighbors who don't have a DVD. Block Busters lets you have them for a week so a lot of people watch our rented video before we return them. I do recommend A MONTH BY THE LAKE and PLACES IN THE HEART, two of my favorite movies. I also really enjoyed PAPER MOON and GROUNDHOG DAY. I'm just telling you what my favorites are. You might not enjoy them as much as I do. I could watch them over and over. Those aren't current movies though and aren't in the New Rental section. Of course, I LOVE all of the Jane Austin movies like EMMA, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY and one called, PERSUASION. These are definitely NOT movies for Charles or Rickey.
Brenda
USA - Friday, January 24, 2003 at 08:21:52 (EST)

Brenda, I too am looking for a good movie to rent. Mitch and Crispin gave us a DVD player for Xmas. So we need to know some good movies. We did watch a coulple of old ones like "Pearl Harbor" and "I am Sam". That was soo good a real tear jerker. Charles didn't want to watch it so I guess you could consider it a "Chick Flick". Charles watched "Black Hawk Down" I wasn't interested in that one. So if anyone of you know of good rentals please let us know.
Doris
USA - Thursday, January 23, 2003 at 21:20:16 (EST)

Betty, you could come with Barbara and myself if you want to. Barbara sometimes goes by herself if I'm working. She could go every week if there is a movie playing that she wants to see. She wants to see Antoine Fisher. I don't so she will be going by herself. Let me know and she will call you when she goes. Brenda I liked Two Weeks Notice. I don't think it was a chick flick. Betty we usually go to the 4 o'clock movie. Sometimes we go as late as 6 but never later. The old man has to get back home and watch TV. I spoke to OP this morning and he said things were freezing over there. Well that's life in the frozen Nawth. I think he will be glad to see the Panama Canel cruise in late March. Hey any takers on the Branson trip on May 11th. We have a great trip planned.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, LA USA - Thursday, January 23, 2003 at 19:14:54 (EST)

Have to add Adaptations to my list of movies we've seen. Now we have to see: Antoine Fisher and Far From Heaven. Rickey, John and I have left many movies. However, we left Moulin Rouge and then, when it was nominated for so many awards, we rented it and enjoyed it. We do that a lot as we can speed through things we don't like. Speaking of rented movies, my favorite movie to rent was: A Month By the Lake, starring Vanessa Redgrave. If you see it, you will get the idea of my favorite kind of movie, pure enjoyment, no violence, angst, nor nudity. I don't think you will enjoy it, Rickey, it's nothing like a Chan movie; however, Barbara might like it. I would appreciate a few suggestions of videos to rent. Do any of you have any suggestions?
Brenda
USA - Thursday, January 23, 2003 at 18:15:41 (EST)

Brenda, I love to go to movies. Billy doesn't like to go so Patsy and I try to see one occasionally. I think we have been trying to see one since the first of the year and for one reason or another we couldn't fit it in our busy schedules (can you imagine). I saw "Two Weeks Notice" while in Philadelphia ---it was a "chick flick" as my son-in-law called it. It was cute. Did you see Analyze That---I like just about any kind of movie and if Billy would go with me I'd probably be at the movie every night. Usually the ones the critics hate I like.I am beginning to stay away from certain movies because of the actors in them --- for instance, Ed Harris ---I used to like him, but after that political speech he gave the other night I don't think I'll go see any of his movies anymore --- in my eyes he was vicious and mean and was attacking our President in a personal way --- I found it revolting. Anyway, let me not get on that subject. I do like movies and since I've seen most of the movies on AMC two or three times I am forced to go out to movie theaters!!!!!!!!! Too bad you and John don't live in Lafayette---I'd go with yall.
Betty
USA - Thursday, January 23, 2003 at 10:15:35 (EST)

Brenda, Barbara and I love the movies also. I think we went to see one everyday this week. Barbara went to see Adaption and walked out of it. It wasn't one that I wanted to see. You get most movies before us because Hours and one other one hasn't been here yet. When we are in the movie we see the "previews" and say We want to see that one or not see it. Most of the time I forget the titles and went they come I forget what it is about. I do want to see Shanagi Knight with Chan. That looks like a good one.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, LA USA - Thursday, January 23, 2003 at 08:31:30 (EST)

I usually go to MAYBE one movie a year. This year I chose "Catch Me If You Can" I chose it for two reasons...it's based on a true story, and it has the two best actors...in my estimation...currently acting. The acting was O.K. and I guess I was disappointed because they did not show HOW he did what he did. I guess they couldn't because some idiot out there would try it!!! So I guess I'll have to see two movies this year!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 15:52:31 (EST)

I wonder if any of you enjoy going to movies as much as John and I do. We have seen almost every picture which has come to town since Christmas: Harry Potter, Twin Towers, Gangs of New York, Catch Me if You Can, Chicago, Hours, About Schmidt, Maid in Manhattan and probably some I can't think of right now. (If you don't enjoy violence, don't see Gangs of New York!! It is the most violent movie I've ever seen.) John liked About Schmidt and Hours the best, but I haven't decided which one I liked best. We still have to see Adaptations and Far From Heaven before they leave town. Have you seen these? What did you think?
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at 13:28:30 (EST)

The Bucs coach came from Oakland...so I would like to see Oakland win so both of his teams...last years and this years...would be playing each other in the Super Bowl. I agree dear are so beautiful it's difficult to kill them! But man does not live on bread alone!!!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 20:46:12 (EST)

Marshall look like your team won---I was pulling for Philadelphia (because of Nick and his Eagles), but Tampa just flat out beat them. Who do you want to win the next game. We're here in Texas watching the deer play --- its been cold, but very pretty.
Betty
USA - Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 18:43:38 (EST)

GO BUCS!!!!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Sunday, January 19, 2003 at 18:37:00 (EST)

Kearney told me he was 11 when he started work next door to his dad's barber shop and that he gave me his baseball glove in our senior year in high school. He was always a generous guy.
Gerald Reaux
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, January 18, 2003 at 13:20:35 (EST)

I am also thrilled with all the good news. What a way to start a new year. Avis I needn't tell you that you are always in prayers by the whole class. It's funny what this communication does for people. If it weren't for this web site I wouldn't know where or what happened to most of you girls. I use "girls" because ya'll will always be girls to me. Kearney, what can I say about you. Let's see it is well deserved and you have worked long and hard for it. I think you should have gotten it sooner. They must bad eyesite or something like that. With this start to the new year let's see if we can just have good things to say about the class. With God's help we will.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, LA USA - Thursday, January 16, 2003 at 10:07:06 (EST)

Hallelujia! With good news from Avis, Carleen, and Kearney, anything else is just icing on the cake. Keep us posted about Suzie, Sue. Have a great day, everyone.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, January 16, 2003 at 08:46:08 (EST)

Great news Avis...prayers and Masses to be continued. Way to go Kearney! You must also be the sports salesman with the most longivity in the United States also...How old were you when you started at Bells? 12???
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 19:11:39 (EST)

Avis, you have such a beautiful way with words. It's like hearing a beautiful symphony or looking at an artist's masterpiece. I would love to read a book of yours someday. By the way have you ever written a manuscript and had it published? You know you are in my daily prayers to Charlene.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 17:27:50 (EST)

The news about Carleen just makes me feel like my heart will burst! Prayer and good medicine are a powerful combination. It's even more heartwarming to know how much support she has had from friends and family, as have I. It was wonderful to read all the e-mails of the classmates so truly joyful for her. I don't think there's any way to overestimate the momentum of so many people thinking of you, praying for you and wishing you well. I, too, have some good news to share. Had my appointment on Monday and the results of the CT scan I had on Thursday showed that everything was stable. What a relief! I'm still going to Winston-Salem late this month or in early February to have a consultation there and take the tests to determine whether I am a candidate for the treatment. Since I won't be having anything disabling done, I'm going to seize the opportunity to have a visit with my only remaining aunt and uncle, who are outside of Charleston, afterward. Then I hope to do about a week's worth of research at other places in SC for a biography of a gr.gr. grandfather I have just about complete. Again, I am overcome with emotion when I read an e.mail from one of you talking about what you need to do "for Avis". I cherish every thought, every prayer. Keep 'em coming. Very few nights go by that I don't have my dreams peopled by at least one high school classmate. I think that is an indication of how much you are all still part of my life. Avis
Avis Rupert <arupert@houston.rr.com>
Houston, TX USA - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 14:03:07 (EST)

CONGRATULATIONS to Kearney Leger. Kearney is going to Las Vegas this weekend for a national award. He was selected to the SGAA , the sporting goods representatives association which is in conjunction with the national sporting goods manufacturers association. This group is entering his name to the "Hall of Fame - Lifetime" achievement honor roll. He told them this was the first time he was honored for anything since the first grade when he got a star for eating everything on my plate for lunch. WAY TO GO Kearney!!!
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 13:49:53 (EST)

I have added Suzanne's prayer request to our web site prayer page.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 13:46:21 (EST)

Sue, what did I tell you about the prayer line on the site? See!!! By the way, Kathleen's funeral is Thursday, at 2 p.m., but I don't know which chuch.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 23:05:16 (EST)

O.K. Sue, prayers it is! Susie will be remembered in my prayers tonight. That's what we are here for!!!!
Doris
USA - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 22:26:29 (EST)

PRAYERS NEEDED! Lookes like my youngest daughter, Suzie, will be having gall bladder surgery at the end of the month. This is the second time she has had trouble and after the ultrasound the doctors decided that she has to have it removed. We don't think she will have any trouble but she is scared and MAMA is worried. She is my baby!!!!!!
Suzanne
USA - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 22:17:01 (EST)

Sue, Kathleen lived in Metarie and that's where the funeral will be, but I don't know which church yet.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 10:10:54 (EST)

Larry, I am so sorry to hear about your mother, you and your family will be in my prayers. Brenda, where will Kathleen be buried, she is a distant relative of ours but we didn't know where she was.
Suzanne
USA - Tuesday, January 14, 2003 at 09:53:22 (EST)

No, Betty. I think she lived in Metarie, LA. The funeral is Wednesday and Fr. Joe Stemmans is doing the funeral. She had been nominated for an award for the most outstanding nurse in Louisiana. Her family was trying to find out if she had won before she died, but they found out today that she did win it. She never knew it. Well, I guess she knows it now.
Brenda
USA - Monday, January 13, 2003 at 22:41:25 (EST)

Brenda, did Kathleen live here in Lafayette?
Betty
USA - Monday, January 13, 2003 at 21:00:49 (EST)

Larry my sympathies. Mass for the peaceful repose of the soul of your Mom the first thing in the morning. One advantage of growing old is that we have so many close friends and relatives enjoying their eternal reward!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Monday, January 13, 2003 at 19:37:22 (EST)

Larry just called to tell me that his mother died at 3 this afternoon. She was a very special lady and I ask you to remember her in your prayers tonight as well as Larry and Camille and Betty and her husband, Kenneth, and their families.
Betty
USA - Monday, January 13, 2003 at 19:05:56 (EST)

Just got word from Martha that Kathleen Fournet, one of the twins in her graduation class died yesterday of cancer. Her twin's name is Geraldine. Kathleen was a nun until about the last 10 years. She was also a nurse. Don't have any other details.
Brenda
USA - Monday, January 13, 2003 at 18:28:22 (EST)

Carleen, Marshall is so right!!! Even though I saw you Friday night I can still "feel" your happiness in your e-mail. Phil was truly extraordinary during the last 4 years and we can all take lessons from him (and from you too) on how to triumph over illness. I know what its like to be very, very ill and you have set a shining example for me. Much love, Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, January 13, 2003 at 11:56:16 (EST)

What a heart warming message from Carleen. I know that sweet smile of yours is truly glowing. We are so excited to share this happiness with you and your family. You will continue to be in our prayers for future health and also in thanksgiving to God for his blessings. Keep smiling!
Gerald Reaux <ggrpsr@aol.com>
Lafayette, La. USA - Monday, January 13, 2003 at 09:24:10 (EST)

I can attest about Carleen being overjoyed. I saw her at church Saturday and she was still beaming. It's so good to see someone overjoyed and thankful for what God has given her. I'm sure she can't begin to explain her feelings. Anyway we are grateful for what God and Charlene has done. I will continue to pray for Carleen and her family. What a great family.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, LA USA - Monday, January 13, 2003 at 09:14:58 (EST)

I'm sure there wasn't one dry eye reading your letter, Carleen. It's wonderful that your whole family had such wonderful news and that you are so well now. What a gift you are to your husband and children. This Christmas is one they won't forget very soon. We'll continue to keep all of you in prayer and in our hearts.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 22:18:48 (EST)

Thanks for sharing your joy with us Carleen! There is so much negative news these days, it was a "shot" to my Faith to hear such good news! Your joy, and that of your family could be "felt" in your e.mail. Prayers to continue as requested.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 20:35:44 (EST)

Hi y'all, I've been racking my brain to find just the right words to thank all of you for the prayers and the caring I have felt from you all. Yes, He has heard and answered all the prayers. Last Thursday, January 9 was a most extraordinary day for me. I had been out, and when I returned home at 11:00 A.M. and walked in the breakfast room, there was a huge bouquet of long stemmed red roses in the center of the table that I just couldn't miss seeing. When I asked Phil who had sent this(since I couldn'tfind a card anywhere) with tears rolling down his cheeks, he choked back "me" and handed me the results of my last tests at M.D. Anderson. About that time, all three of my boys showed up (they must have nearly shut down the office, cause they all work for Phil), and after a good cry together, we broke out the champagne. My counts showed no detection of Leukemia cells what so ever, and they had done a back-up test as well, which concurred. Well...imagine seeing that in black and white and signed by my doctors in Houston! WHAT NEWS! My heart is just bursting with "THANKS" to all of you. God is so good! I never could have pulled through this without my friends and family. Lord knows Phil has been phenominal!!!!!! He has been there every step of the way with me. Now please don't take me off your prayer list, I'M not so naive as to think it can't come back. Love to each and every one of you. Carleen
Carleen LeBlanc <Phil6287@aol.com>
LafayettLafayette , La. USA - Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 15:15:59 (EST)

Nice picture Gerald. The only thing is I can see OP's BUSH pin and stickers. Maybe it's because they voted againt his canidate during the last election. Of course with all those loud colors it's hard to see anything on the shirt. It is a good picture of OP.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 10:50:40 (EST)

Nice picture O.P. Had dinner with Carleen and Phil and Patsy and Howard Friday night to celebrate Carleen's good news. She was sparkling (as you can imagine)---we had a lot of laughs. I wanted to take my camera, but I forgot it ---seems like I'm forgetting lots of things!!!!!!!!!
Betty
USA - Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 10:34:28 (EST)

That truly is the best news about Carleen that we can have. If only Avis would have the same results from an experimental treatment. I would like to add a priest friend of mine from this diocese to the prayer line. He has terminal cancer and is still holding down two parishes and the prison ministry. I was with him today and he knows there is no cure. He said he told Jesus, "You know about the shortage of priests. So it's your problem and I'll let you take care of it." How about that for faith???
Brenda
USA - Friday, January 10, 2003 at 19:13:59 (EST)

Doris, you are right. God has always been good to us. Carleen congratulation and I know you are very thankful. Now we have to get Avis over the hump. At first I thought it was Avis who had been cured. I thought that would have been a real miracle. Now we can put all our effort on Avis. Let's barrage heven with prayers for Avis. I know the Classes can do this. We have an inside person to help us. One in heaven and one on earth. I'm speaking of Charlene and Marshall. Marshall says a Mass everyday and we can all join him. I guess I will have to call Mary Elizaeth to see what's going on over there. I'm sure it nothing good. Just kidding. You have to see her home to believe how beautiful it is. I'm glad I went over to see her. J.J. freeze all the fish and we can have a fish fry for our reunion. At least on of the meals. Maybe we should have a multiple day reunion. After all it is the 50th and very special to us. God Bless. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, January 10, 2003 at 09:19:58 (EST)

Isn't it WONDERFUL NEWS about Carleen. Things like this really renews one faith in the Almighty. GOD IS SO GOOD!!!
Doris
USA - Friday, January 10, 2003 at 09:09:59 (EST)

J.J. That is still an interesting story ---must have been a slow evening in the emergency room!!!! What a nut. You never know who will be treating you in an emergency room situation---and further more you only think about it after the treatment because you are in such pain you are thankful for the first lab coat and stethescope you see.
Betty
USA - Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 18:29:38 (EST)

Betty according to the newspaper, the emergency room doctor went into his automobile and retrieved the explosive components. He was sitting at the desk used by the emergency room physicians and was in the process of assembling the components and they blew up. He was arrested, but claimed that he was making explosives to clear his property. He was not part of our community. The hospital hires a contractor to provide the hospital with emergency room doctors. This one was from north Louisiana. There is not much more to it.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 16:29:50 (EST)

Marshall, that is the first thing I did when I heard the news ---said a prayer of thanks. It is such wonderful news. Are you sure you aren't working for an international gourmet magazine as a second job ----your colorful descriptions of all the dishes was interesting. I guess that proves the motto "Join the Navy and see the world." (and eat well too while you are traveling) Sounds as if you lived and visited lots of interesting places. J. J. don't forget the doctor/ bomb story. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 16:04:13 (EST)

Great news about Carleen! I'll replace her name near my Tabernacle in my Chapel from a "request" to a "thank you!"
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 15:34:24 (EST)

STOP THE PRESSES---THIS IS A NEWS ALERT --- I do believe we have had a miracle occur --- I truly mean this ----Carleen just called me ---- they got the results this morning of her last blood work done at MD Anderson. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO EVIDENCE OF CANCER AT ALL. The Philadelphia Chromosome is GONE (that is the thing that causes leukemia). Phil told me this morning that when a test like this comes back negative they run another one to double check and the second test was negative too. I think all of our prayers to Charlene opened the way for the Gleevec pill to be put on the market and the pill helping Carleen recover so completely. She asked me to let all of you know. It was 4 years last September that she has been battling this leukemia. It is the most wonderful news.
Betty
USA - Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 14:42:15 (EST)

J.J. I wrote a note yesterday, but it didn't show up -----would you please elaborate on the doctor/bomb/emergency room episode. What was he doing with a bomb in the emergency room??? ----sounds like this would be an interesting tale!!!! Betty
BETTY
USA - Thursday, January 09, 2003 at 14:33:27 (EST)

Sounds delicious J.J. I marinate most of my fish in Italian dressing before broiling it. I like Sushi raw without marinade...and dipping it in soy sauce with wasobi and ginger. Sushi rice is cooked with vinegar and sugar...makes it stick together really well.Talking about marinade, I like raw Salmon sliced thin and marinated in lime juice. I'm getting hungry I better go to bed!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 23:15:18 (EST)

Betty not fire works but a bomb. Marshall the tuna recipe is one I got from Gene Nacakamora who was doing research on large fish at the mouth of South Pass of the Mississippi River. Get tuna when it is still warm from being alive. Butcher it. Cut it into thin stripes about the size of beef jerky and put them in a glass pan and cover with Wish Bone Italian dressing. Let it sit overnight. Good stuff.
J.J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 21:29:37 (EST)

Agree with you on the Tuna Sushi J.J. It's one of my favorites also. My real favorites I didn't even know what I was eating. I would walk into a Sushi bar in Japan and a conveyor belt had different kinds of Sushi And Shashimi in saucers. You'd eat what you wanted and keep the saucers. At the exit there was a cashier who would count the saucers and give you a bill! Of course the hot Saki was tallied up too! I didn't know they had Tuna that size off Grand Isle! My favorite Tuna in this country was the Abacore bought right off the boats when I was stationed in San Diego...off Point Loma.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 17:17:54 (EST)

If that was the case J.J. I could do just about anything. Barbara is always advising me how to do things, Like driving the car, sweeping the kitchen, and folding the clothes. She doesn't ask me to do them she "lets" me do them such I'll let you go put out the garbage today. Well you get the message. But I couldn't do without her. That's way I used to fish J.J. Either the bit yesterday or tomorrow they will be biting. I never quiet hit it on time. I haven't fished in 40 years. A few of the best time of my life is when I used to go fishing with my dad. That's just about all we did together. Checked with my nephew who bought the old homestead from me and said a woman bought it and is completely remodeling it. It will be a cafe and an art shop. I don't know. Anyway I'm out of it. No more problems. Didn't hear from Avis so either she hasn't been here or she is not coming. Did you girls have lunch with her?
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet>
Lafayettel, La USA - Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 15:59:47 (EST)

J. J. your fishing excursions sound like fun especially when you catch such big fish---you must have huge freezers so store all that fish. The story about your wobbly table tickled me. What was that goofy doctor doing having explosives in an emergency room ---do you mean explosives as in "fireworks?" For all of you out there who are keeping up with the serial killing news, the body of the latest murder victim (the woman from Opelousas) was found this morning. I believe they have arrested her live in boyfriend this morning. Maybe she wasn't a victim of the serial killer after all--no matter who did it the poor woman is dead and that is awful.
Betty
USA - Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 14:50:01 (EST)

I had all of my children with me for Christmas. They all complained that the dinning room table did not wobble. The wobble had been there all of their lives. When if fixed it, it was if I had robbed them of a portion of the heritage. Left and went to Grand Isle the next day. Had our New Years bond fire on Grand Isle with old friends. A very good time. My boys made three tuna fishing trips out of Gand Isle. . On the first one they caught a 185 lb yellow fin and a 100 lb yellow fin on the third trip. I went on the second trip and ended up with a cold nose and sore muscles. Marshall, tuna fresh from the Gulf makes some of the best Sushi in the world. The year began with a bang. There was a doctor at the hospital in Raceland playing with explosives in the emergency room and blew two of his fingers off. I suppose that he did this in the emergency room, so that in the event that he was injured he could receive immediate medical attention. I pray that Saddam Insane catches on and the war goes away. Rickey, even with 4 thumbs you can do projects. All that you need is the proper female supervision. Lita helps me with all projects.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, La USA - Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 14:00:35 (EST)

Betty I think the effect raw seafood has on our systems depends on our individual immune systems! I don't eat raw oysters outside of Louisiana or Puget Sound, WA. I also ate the Conch Salad when I was stationed in P.R. Here I eat the Calamari salad and Sushi (not the fake California roll but the real Sushi). I also think "bad" food is bad food, cooked or raw! But you are not alone...I have Doctor friends who no longer eat raw oysters.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Wednesday, January 08, 2003 at 08:30:29 (EST)

Marshall, I can't believe you still eat raw oysters!!! How many of you eat them? I think they are delicious, but I had a bout with hepatitis back in 1970 and I am scared to death to eat raw seafood again. I didn't get hepatitis from oysters---we were in the Bahamas scuba diving and I loved the raw conch salads and ate them every time I got a chance. No more raw conch salads for me either. Anyway, they are good and I'm tempted every time I go to Blacks. O.P. thanks for putting the Food for the poor up for us.
Betty
USA - Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 21:48:29 (EST)

Brenda, yes we were all here in our little Condo. Hard to believe, but it all worked out great. No, none of my three sons chose the military. Two are married and one is still a bachelor and lives in San Diego. My daughter has the three oldest kids in the picture. Betty the picture is on my home page http://opditch.com. I think Harvey is in Lafayette this week. He'll probably play golf with Gerald and others. I heard Gerald plays golf in this cold weather too, what a MAN!
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 05:10:31 (EST)

Yep Brenda I am home. Got back to FL about 1/2 hour ago...mail piled a mile high...both e.mail and snail mail. Good hearing from all of you on the H.S. website. I ate enought Gumbo and raw oysters to last till next year!!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice , FL USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 22:18:22 (EST)

Doris, those are resourceful children you have --- I would have never thought of knocking on doors or going to the court house. Brenda, we get no details of how the last girl was killed from the paper (guess they are keeping the details quite) but gossip has it that monstrous things were done. That is what prompted my question about making 911 calls from a cell---but so far no one has answered my question. Betty WHERE IS OP'S FAMILY PICTURE
Betty
USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 20:08:59 (EST)

O.P., were all of your family together for Christmas? It looked like everyone is in the picture. Are any of your sons in the service? Doris, happy that your son found a nice place to live in Eunice. It didn't surprise me that the people were so nice in the Lafayette area. Just look at what Gerald was trying to do for Jared, a perfect example of the kindness I was thinking of. Marshall, are you home yet? I can't remember your schedule. Betty, that serial killer is a monster, from what I've heard. The police can't tell us everything, but some things leak out. Be extremely careful, everyone.
Brenda
USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 19:30:42 (EST)

Thanks Gerald for being concerned about finding a place for Jared. He did find a nice trailer. He and Pam went to Eunice last week and litterally knocked on doors to find something to rent. They were sent to the court house and some nice lady started calling everyone with rental property and they found something for him. Pam said they have such nice friendly cajun people in Eunice that she was glad he picked there to live. He started his new job today and called and was so excited. I am so happy for him. Thanks again.!!!!
Doris
USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 18:19:01 (EST)

Gerald, I think Jared (Doris's son) has found a place in Eunice----but you'd better wait to hear from her before you stop looking.
Betty
USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 18:00:43 (EST)

The serial killer business in and around Lafayette is getting everyone jumpy---including me. Even mace and pepper spray are hard to find. If a person got in a dangerous situation and you wanted to dial 911 on your cell phone ----is 911 universal or do you have to put in the area code first when dialing on a cell? I wondered about that this morning as I was leaving a store and there weren't too many people in the parking lot.
Betty
USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 13:59:31 (EST)

Just wanted to thank O.P. for the BIG PRINT in our messages, nice touch. Also he has a new family portrait on his home page. He is catching up with us 15 to 16 and 3/4. Doris I am trying to find something in Eunice for your son. Will let you know as soon as I find something. Happy New Year to everyone.
Gerald Reaux
Lafayette, La. USA - Monday, January 06, 2003 at 12:52:10 (EST)

Billy and I had a very enjoyable evening at Phil and Carleen's last Friday. It was so relaxing sitting in front of the fire and visiting. Carleen cooked a delicious gumbo - it was overflowing with seafood --- it was yummy. There is nothing like a visit in the home of old friends where you can just kick back and relax. It was a special treat because most of the time we all just meet at a restaurant. Thanks again Carleen and Phil. Betty O.P. don't forget to put the Food for the Poor on this home page ---it would be a reminder for all of us to share our bounty ---particularly, when we talk about all this good food we can get so readily. We have much to be thankful for.
Betty
USA - Sunday, January 05, 2003 at 11:06:11 (EST)

Rickey, thanks for reminding us of the birthday. THANK YOU O.P. Betty
Betty
USA - Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 09:29:29 (EST)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE WEBPAGE. It's two years old. I was just looking at the archives and found out about it's birthday. Nice going OP. This is a labor of love for you and your classmates. I second the motion about you being the classmate of the year. Hear, Hear.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, January 03, 2003 at 10:44:54 (EST)

Avis, it was so good to hear from you on the webpage. I know everyone was so excited to hear from you. It is amazing what our grandchildren can teach us, isn't it. You and Carleen are in my prayers every morning.St. Jude and Charleen are kept busy with my prayers and requests. I think its wonderful that there is some kind of treatment that will help you. Go for it Girl!!!
Doris
USA - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 20:35:24 (EST)

All IS right with the world--Avis is reading and writing on the website!! Avis, you don't know how much your letters mean to all of us. They are not only so interesting, but your last letter contained news that we have all been waiting to hear. Don't know anything about Yttrium 90 intro-hepatic infusion, but I'll ask about it. I can't say enough about locating the specialists who are tops in their fields and going to them for treatment. We do know a few instances where that decision has had remarkable results. I also want to tell you that no matter what blessings your grandchildren are to you, you are so much more to them. I hope you are writing to them, even those who live in Houston. Your letters are priceless!
Brenda
USA - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 19:15:46 (EST)

Avis, Betty said it for a whole lot of us. Congrat. on you health issues. As Betty said you and Carleen are always in my prayers. If you get a chance give Barbara and I a call and we will go out to eat something. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 17:45:06 (EST)

AVIS, it was wonderful to read your message and to know that you are stable and feeling good enough to participate in all these things. Its such good news. Please let us know when you are next in Lafayette so we can all meet for lunch. I know this will be a good year for you ---keep us posted on the treatment at Wake Forest. Happy New Year. Betty P.S. You are always in my prayers.
Betty
USA - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 14:04:24 (EST)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It's been wonderful reading everyone's Christmas and New Year's messages. I think the '55 Classmate of the Year Award should go to O.P. for getting all of this going. I have felt the prayers of so many of you throughout the entire year. They have been like an invisible safety net. It makes you feel that if you have that many good people storming heaven for you, it can't get too bad. I won't name names because I don't want to leave anyone out, but I thank each and everyone of you for your thoughts and prayers. Please continue to hold me in your heart. Had a great phone visit with Maugie last night and as always, it was like we lived next door and saw each other every day. I haven't been to Lafayette in several months, but I'm beginning to feel my car wanting to head east on I-10, so it probably won't be long. As of my scan in October, I was "stable". I'm looking into a treatment at Wake Forest U. in Winston-Salem my doctor here at MDACC told me about. They're not offering it here yet, but I understand they will probably have it in about six months. Wake Forest has performed more of them than any other facility. There are only five or six centers in the US doing them. It's called Yttrium 90 intra-hepatic infusion—infusing the liver tumors with blood containing decayed Strontium 90 by means of a catheter. It's only been done for about 18 months, so there isn't much data available, but it's the only thing out there that seems to apply in my case. I have another scan here on the 9th of this month and get results on the 13th and after that I will probably make plans to head north and see what this is all about. I have talked to the doctor on the phone and he seems to feel I would be a candidate, but I need to go there, have a consultation, get a PET scan and an arteriogram (there has to be a certain blood flow from the lung to the liver for this to work) and then they order the radioactive material from Australia! When I heard "Strontium 90", the hairs on the back of my neck stood up because I don't know if any of you remember, but the effects of that material were the year's debate topic when we were seniors in high school, I believe. I know this has to be the next-to-longest shot in the world, but if any of you reading this have had experience with or know anyone who has had experience with this procedure, please let me know. In the meantime, life is GOOD—intensely so. I kept my granddaughters, 9 and 7, for New Year's Eve. I taught them the words to Auld Lang Syne and they taught me, once again, more about God than I ever learned in books. Madeleine, 9, said to me: "Mimi, when I think about God creating the world...sometimes I think Mary did it, because you know they talk about "Mother Nature", so I think maybe she's Mary Mother Nature." Catherine,7, said, "no, that's not right; she doesn't have the powers." We had a half-hour conversation about God with more fresh insights than I've heard in church in the last 50 years! Christmas was spent here. I did my usual stint with the choir—not singing, though I have done that in the past—but writing a narration and delivering it for the Christmas Carols before Midnight Mass. I always feel a little guilty because they (the choir) do 99.99% of the work all year long and then I sneak in at the last minute and get to be part of such a glorious evening. My daughter Shaun and her family (two boys—Jack 8, Zachary 5) came in from Dallas just for the Sunday night before Christmas. We had a beautiful dinner party with old friends at Sharon's house here in Houston, and got to exchange gifts with them in person. The little cousins always have the best time together. Please note: new E-mail address - arupert@houston.rr.com MANY BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU FOR 2003 —HOLD ON TIGHT, HERE WE GO! Avis
Avis Rupert <arupert@houston.rr.com>
Houston, TX USA - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 12:48:16 (EST)

We're home. The yard looks like a battle zone and the house is full of Christmas DECORATIONS!! It's more fun putting them up. Happy to read messages from all of you, particularly those from out of state. Happy New Year!
Brenda
USA - Thursday, January 02, 2003 at 10:41:17 (EST)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU. I hope the coming year will be kind and loving to each and every one of us. BRENDA, yes there was a bad storm in BR. My nephew David bought a 52" TV for his family this Christmas (they live in BR) and he was pretty upset this morning when he still didn't have power at his house. At least he didn't have to watch them lose BIG. It isn't too early for us to plan for our next reunion. Anyone have suggestions? BETTY, I could see the picture but it was very dark, she is really cute. One more reason to get a computer. Time for the Sugar Bowl to start. Bye for now.
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 19:07:01 (EST)

Happy New Year to all. I am going to visit my parents- arriving tues 1-7-03. I plan on staying at least thru Jan. Looking forward to seeing everyone and if the weather cooperates this time , getting in some golf.
Harvey
USA - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 16:23:20 (EST)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE. Just got home from a nice day at my sister's (Nancy) ---we watched LSU get beat up by Texas. LSU didn't look too good today. I hope the new year is a good one for all of us. You are right, Rickey, the 50th will be here before we know it. Doris, send that reunion poem to OP ---its really good or did you send it to everyone? Brenda, how long did it take for you to go through security? You are probably home by now. Betty
Betty
USA - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 16:09:01 (EST)

HAPPY NEW YEAR Everyone!! Hope you all have a Healthy, Happy New Year!!!
Doris
USA - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 15:41:50 (EST)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! That's what I wish for all of you this year. I haven't had much luck with people signing in on the web if they see it. I think I only had one person sign in. Any thanks to that person. Only 2 more years after this before our next reunion. It will be 50 years. Start planning now. Let's try to get everyone back for this time. It's special. Again may this year bring all of you health and happiness for the whole year and the rest of your lives. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 09:25:26 (EST)

At the stroke of midnight tonight, federal regulations go into effect which permits all luggage to be searched at airports. We leave tomorrow morning and so we anticipate a very LONNNNNNNNNG line checking our bags at LAX. When we left New Orleans last week, all of our bags (including Christmas presents) were opened, so we can be proud of the security in New Orleans. We heard that there was a very bad storm yesterday in Louisiana. A shutter was blown off of our house and a huge tree was uprooted across the street. I wonder if any of you were affected by the storm. Anyway, the website is still available (thanks, O.P.) Betty is home, Sue is back, Marshall is still in LA,Carleen wrote on the website and all is right with the world. My wish for all of you is a wonderful, peaceful new year, with much happiness.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 20:34:28 (EST)

It's nice to have you home Betty. We have missed you but glad you got to see the new grandaughter. I think we are as proud as you almost. I remember my first one. Seems like nothing could top that and then came along my second one and I got the same feeling. Now grandma will be looking for an excuse to go back often. Anyway welcome back to the same old, same old. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 08:10:31 (EST)

I returned to Lafayette yesterday after spending a wonderful month with Rachael and Eliz. and Nick. I think this was the best Christmas ever---Rachael was a gift that cannot be duplicated. We had a lovely white Christmas Day ---it snowed all day long. I hadn't seen a white Christmas since my days in Rochester, Minn. and that was in '62-'67. Guess its good to be home but I miss that precious baby so much I can't make up my mind!!!!! I wish all of you a VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, December 30, 2002 at 20:51:15 (EST)

Thanks, O.P. I have already done that, in fact I sent an e-mail to a realtor. But Jared said he would rather rent from an individual than a realtor, because he thinks he can get the rent cheaper. I thought since, there is L.S.U. in Eunice there they may have a few apartments available. But I was hoping that mabe someone might know someone who had rental property there.
Doris
USA - Saturday, December 28, 2002 at 19:26:59 (EST)

Doris, my brother Melvin looked up Eunice on the web and found: http://www.EuniceLA.com/. Not sure is there is any local info, but you might try it.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Saturday, December 28, 2002 at 18:44:00 (EST)

Hey Guys, I was just wondering if any of you out there reading this would know of any rental property (house or apartment) in or around Eunice. My son Jared is wanting to relocate there.
Doris
USA - Saturday, December 28, 2002 at 15:30:32 (EST)

Sue, we're in Orange, CA., just south of Las Angeles. The Christmas lights in the neighborhoods surpass anything I've ever seen. Pilots must have difficulty seeing the landing lights at airports! The neighborhoods outdo each other with lights on the houses, trees, bushes and everything which can possibly hold strings of lights. I guess I'm just a country hick in the big city!
Brenda
USA - Friday, December 27, 2002 at 13:59:10 (EST)

Wonderful time. God Bless.
Joann
Des Moines, IA USA - Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 23:06:53 (EST)

BRENDA, I don't know where I was when you told everyboy you were going to California for Christmas. Where are you? I spent the holidays with Yvette and Blake when he was at Camp Pendleton in Riverside. I loved it but when the visit was over I was glad to get home. I like the South with all the beautiful rees and birds that sing. The weather was beautiful and the flowers were still blooming but it was a nice place to visit. I'm glad they moved closer to home. Hope you are loving those grandchildren to death!
Suzanne
USA - Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 16:20:34 (EST)

We're here in "sunny" California and I have been chilly all morning. It's two hours earlier over here so John and I have been up since 5 a.m., their time. It's actually 48 degrees outside today. This is a good way to see everyone at Christmas time; to leave the children at home on Christmas Day and arrive at another child's home while it is still Christmas. No, Rickey, you can't get too much of grandchildren. Well, I can't. John can. He gets ready for his own bed, his own dog, his own house before two days have passed. It's been great hearing from all of you during these days before Christmas on the website and seeing Marshall. I hope all of you get together so that we can see some more reunion pictures. Enjoy the holidays!
Brenda
USA - Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 12:40:11 (EST)

Well Christmas is over and I'm sure we are all full of food. Hope everyone had enough of the grandchildren if that's possible. Now on to the New Year's celebration. Old folks like Barbara and myself will stay home and sleep through the 12 o'clock mess. We did this every year so far. I don't think I can even stay up until midnight. Betty I'll bet it's pretty up there. OP said that you were going to get 5 to 6 inches of snow yesterday. It was a beautiful day here. Now we will get to eat all the leftovers we have. For the next few weeks. I don't like turkey so it will be a chore for me. I saw Suzanne at 6 o'clock Mass Saturday. Carleen was there also. OP I hope Perry got back home OK. I'm sure he did because I would have heard from you by now. I was just thinking could we do a check in on the web site to see just how many people are there. You could send in just a name if you don't want to write anything. I know there are some of us that read but don't contribute anything. That would be nice. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayettel, La USA - Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 09:02:05 (EST)

I am sitting here listening to all those old Christmas carols on AOL radio and remembering when some of us would sing at various houses for hot chocolate. What fond memories we have had of our high school days. We are so fortunate to be reunited, thanks to OP. Pat and I want to wish each one of you a holy Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Gerald and Pat
Lafayette, La. USA - Wednesday, December 25, 2002 at 08:26:06 (EST)

We are going to have a white Christmas tomorrow. We just returned from an engagement party for Nick's oldest niece and it has started to snow. If it gets colder it may be very pretty in the morning. Merry Christmas everyone and may God bless each and everyone of you. Betty
Betty
USA - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 23:03:01 (EST)

MERRY CHRISTMAS---May you know the peace, tranquility and serenity that comes from God's grace. Be healthy, be happy and enjoy a wonderful Christmas. I love you all!!! Carleen
Carleen LeBlanc <Phil6287@aol.com>
Lafayette , La. USA - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 15:30:41 (EST)

I hope that all of you are having a wonderful Xmas like I am. It is so good to be so close to family. I just love it. Sue what a beautiful thought. So heartwarming. I want to wish everyone in the New Year HEALTH & HAPPINESS.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 14:19:53 (EST)

Man, you guys are so eloquent!!! All I have is a Merry Chirstmas and a Happy New Year. May you all have Good Health in the coming year!
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 14:06:13 (EST)

I wasn't finished before I cut myself off. Let's me see if I can put this into words. May you have the excitement of a child at Christmas and the faith that the teachers gave us this Christmas. HAVE A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS YOU ALL.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 13:14:21 (EST)

Well let me get my two cents in. J J sounds like you have a great family. How lucky you are to be able to do things around the house. I think I was born with 5 thumbs. Suzanne my thoughts exactly. Brenda may you have smooth flying and have great weather while in California. I'm sure all of us have a special Christmas this year. We have Carleen and let's all not forget to pray especially for Avis. Why don't we all offer our Christmas Mass up for her. With such a large number of requests He won't possibly refuse to help her in some way. This Christmas my thoughts are with my son Michael who I lost 5 years ago. I can't seem to get him out of my mind. It's hard at Christmas time. Anyway I'll not get gruesome. Let's make this the VERY BEST CHRISTMAS
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.coml>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 13:11:59 (EST)

Leaving for California early in the morning. I think the temperature will be in the 60's. Hard to pack! Spent a great day with Marshall yesterday when he came to Baton Rouge. We talked about having a private mass for our 50th class reunion; it will be here before you know it. He was impressed with your Chrismas creations, Suzanne. We both agreed that this website has been a particular gift to us. Hope all of you are well and enjoying these special holidays. Merry Christmas!
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 11:49:07 (EST)

Well JJ, my Christmas wish for you is that Lita never runs out of projects for you to do. It sounds like you really enjoy them! May God wrap His loving arms around all of us this Christmas season and keep us close to His heart. Have a joyous and safe holiday everyone. I love you all!!!!!
Suzanne
USA - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 11:23:06 (EST)

Lita has cut the bananas down to two 20 X 20 patchs. I started to put down the floor in the kitchen and found that I would have to remove the stove. Well since you have to move the stove.......I see a new stove in my future. I await selection. For Christmas Lita wanted me to fix the dinning room table. It is over 100 years old and has been wobbly since we got it 30 years ago. I kind of liked the wobble. I had gotten use to it. But I bowed to progress and with the use of better, longer screws and modern wood glue, it should not wobble for another 30 years ago. Beyond that it is not my problem. All of my children and grand children are coming for Christmas dinner. Merry Christmas again. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 11:02:43 (EST)

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. AND THE VERY BEST WISHES FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU IN 2003. O.P. I echo all that was said previously about you and this website. You did a wonderful thing for us. I'm like Rickey (and I am sure everyone else who participates) ---its become a habit now ---I check out the messages before I start my day. I hope Santa is good to all of you!!!!!!!!!!! J. J. what a lovely thing to say about your marriage to Lita ---congratulations. MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!! Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, December 22, 2002 at 08:23:57 (EST)

Merry Christmas! Lita and I were married 43 years ago last Friday. Best thing that ever happened to me. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, December 22, 2002 at 08:09:05 (EST)

I hope all of you and your families enjoy a good, happy, and peaceful Christmas and a new year which brings joy and security; not only to us, but to families all over the world. Our prayers certainly include our school mates who are ill and those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. This past year has seen improvement in the health of classmates, marriages for some of our children, the births of new grandchildren and some joyful anniversaries. Those things and good life-long friends are really all one can ask for. Keep the faith! O yes, a million thanks, O.P. You made all of these reunions possible.
Brenda
USA - Saturday, December 21, 2002 at 13:29:12 (EST)

O.K., Suzanne. Here's wishing "you all" a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2003! With all the hustle & bustle of the holiday season, besides trying to help out someone or a family in need, it's also very heartwarming during this season to reach a long lost friend via Internet white pages. Renewed friendship with former fifth grade classmate, with whom we'd lost touch over the years, by sending a card to a white page address listing, and Paul and I plan to perhaps visit sometime next year at their Cape Cod home or they will visit us in Acadiana to get out of the snow. Joyeux Noel, encore.
Henrietta Boriskie
Lafayette, LA USA - Saturday, December 21, 2002 at 09:20:35 (EST)

Just a note to let everyone know I havn't dropped off the face of the earth. I wonder if I am the only one (except Marshall) who does not have any grandchildren? There still is a chance, my son is not married yet. However, I hope I will not be too old to enjoy them. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Harvey
USA - Friday, December 20, 2002 at 18:20:04 (EST)

You are so right Rickey, this little magic machine has been wonderful. OP, I can't ever thank you enough. THANKS! THANKS! Maybe I will invest in a real computer this year. Are you making your way to Lafyette soon? DORIS, you're not far behind me with grandchildren, 10 all together, 2 girls and 8 boys, and three of my children are't married. Who knows how many more are to come along. Christmas morning will be great this year, Yvette and Blake and their boys will be here, Santa will come to Granny's house. That will be fun! We're getting ready to decorate the church this morning. To all of you who are in town this season, I invite you to come to St. Mary's for Mass, Christmas eve at 4 o'clock is full of children, we have one mass in the church and one in the hall, people are usually standing along the walls. Merry Christmas, everybody! Marshall, I hope to see you while you're here. It would be wonderful if ALL of you out there who read this would leave a tiny little message, if I can do this, so can you, JUST A TINY LITTLE MESSAGE!?
Suzanne
USA - Friday, December 20, 2002 at 09:04:59 (EST)

Rickey, you are so sweet to be thanking us. But you are right about everything I join you in thanking O.P. for this wonderful thing he has done for us. Being in touch with old friends no matter where on the globe you are, means so much to a person. I too thank everyone for being my friend. Hope all of you have a very Merry Blessed Xmas. Marshall, Jared passed his physical, thanks for the prayers.
Doris
USA - Friday, December 20, 2002 at 08:29:21 (EST)

Talk about grandchildren. Barbara has 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. I have 5 grandchildren. It tought at Christmas time. Has anyone heard anything from Robert and Gayle in Denver. We haven't heard from them since I was there two years ago. Larry Miller has been silent also. Surly you can add something to our running dialog Larry. This is just too good a site for only a hand full of us to use. Being it's Christmas time I want to Than OP for founding this site. Just think what it has done to our lives. I look forward to getting up in the morning and checking the website. Finally I want to thank all of you for being my friends. It has been a better life for me because of you all. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Friday, December 20, 2002 at 08:12:38 (EST)

Gerald, you will have caught up with us. We have 5 grandsons and 4 grandaughters. We still have a son that is not married. Talking about memories. I hope I built some in my little grandsons memory box today. I went and got him to spend the day with me and we read about the Gingerbread Man and made some gingerbead men and decorated them, than we made a Gingerbread house. These are the things I have been doing at the preschool with other people's children. It's wonderful to be able to do it with my grandchild, now. I treasured every moment of today. Sue, how many grandchildren do you have? I am sure you beat us all, don't you?
Doris
USA - Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 15:57:19 (EST)

I guess we can talk about memories all day and you're right Rickey, they are so important. While I was in New Orleans last week, Ethan (4 yrs old) turned to me and out of the blue he said, "Granny, you KNOW that you missed my grandparents day." We were in Rome that day. I had some tall explaining to do to make him understand why I wasn't there but everything turned out ok, we went to Chucky Cheese by ourselves. Betty, I bet you make it back before Rachael is sitting up. She is so adorable. MY BABY GIRL celebrated her first birthday this month, I wouldn't trade this Christmas for last year. Everytime I ride by Laf. General Hospital I can't help by be reminded of that tiny baby in the NICU. We are so blessed! See you later.
Suzanne
USA - Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 13:31:24 (EST)

Suzanne, we have one grandchild at Cathedral Carmel. She is in the third grade and very tall. She is playing basketball and doing well. She will be singing tonight at 7, but we are going to a consert for another grandchild at 6:00. He is a trumpet player and we had already promised to attend his. We are expecting our 9th grandchild on March 15th. We will have 5 girls and 4 boys. It is very difficult to follow them all but we try. May I wish all of you a very Joyous Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.
Gerald Reaux
Lafayette, La. USA - Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 10:42:05 (EST)

Gee girls don't you remeber how excited you were to get all the presents. I have a grandson who plays drums in the Alleman Band and he had a band concert the other night and I had to go to Bixoli to take care of Barbara's son. He had surgery. I wish I could have gone. Oh well there's always next year. Suzanne these are the memories you will cherish all your life. With Christmas coming on I kinda feel like a kid again. I made reservations for my son and his family to go to Disney in March. We have bought Floyd Sonnier books for 3 of Barbara's kids and my daughter wants money for a new couch and we are at an age where we can just send checks to the grandkids. They have everything I could think of buying them. There parents put the money in a bank account for college. Betty you are more blessed then all of us. Your daugher has presented you with a new grandaughter. I wish for all of you the blessing that Christmas brings for all the young children. May you New Year be the best ever. Oh, I forgot J.J. you have a new floor.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 09:15:11 (EST)

HI SUZANNE, I haven't experienced any long Chrismas programs, but I do remember those LOOONNNNNNNNG dance recitals. Those were endless.!!!!1 I guess your allowed to be a Grinch sometime!!!!! I have only 8 more days up here and I'm already NOT wanting to come home---Rachael will be a month old on Sunday and she has grown so much---I am sure by the time I get back up here she will be sitting up, etc. Did you get all your shopping done? Eliz. and I went to the King of Prussia Mall last night and did a few things - not much though - because by the time we got away from the house it was almost 8. The pickins are gonna be slim under the Christmas this year. Billy will be DELIGHTED ---(he is another Grinch!!!!) He'll be coming up this Sunday ---he will be amazed at Rachael's growth. Haven't talked to Patsy or Carleen ---I think I'll give them a call today. Carleen got back from Houston last week and I want to check on her. MARSHALL, enjoy your trip home. HERE'S WISHING EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 08:34:46 (EST)

GERALD, do any of your grandchildren go to Cathedral-Carmel? Are any of them in the band? If they are, I'm sure you were at the band concert tonight. Next year I think I will offer to sit with the little ones and let Mom and Dad go alone. If I had to hear Jingle Bells one more time! And there is another concert tomorrow night. William is in the 8th grade band so we had to stay till the end. I really love my grandchildren but I felt like a grinch tonight. Anybody else had a similar Christmas experience this holiday season? I am getting to oldfor this.
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at 23:41:43 (EST)

While I am thinking about it, I will be in Louisiana and away from my computer from 20 Dec thru 7 Jan. Will see some of you there. May you all receive many of God's Blessings during this Christmas Season and throughout the coming New Year.
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at 19:31:13 (EST)

No Brenda I didn't send you any e-mail. In fact I don't even know your e-mail address. Have you had an opportunity to visit Melanie's shop yet? I'll bet with Christmas shopping you are much too busy. She has a lot of good gifts. they will be different.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.coml>
Lafayette, La USA - Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at 07:45:18 (EST)

Rickey, did you send me an e-mail? My computer said that it contained a virus and I thought that maybe that was the bogus e-mail that went around some time ago under your name. Maybe all of you should be careful of opening them.
Brenda
USA - Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at 18:46:23 (EST)

Rachael is living proof that St. Jude is the patron saint of hopeless cases---he surely did answer my prayers. I only have 11 days left before I go home ---the past 3 weeks have flown by---I guess every one is really busy right now. J.J. did you always have a knack for carpentry, etc.---I can't imagine tackling a job like that at any time, but doing it during the holidays takes courage!!!!! Is your wife a saint???? She must be. Betty
Betty
USA - Monday, December 16, 2002 at 11:54:36 (EST)

J.J. I'm impressed. I would never take on a project like that. I'll bet it look great. Such a feeling of accomplishment. It does make you feel good doesn't it. Glad you are working again, even if it is just for one day. Well our Saints found a new way to lose. Is there no end of this. I guess OP has it even worst. His team can't seem to win any. Wait until next year O.P.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.comc>
Lafayette, La USA - Monday, December 16, 2002 at 07:52:09 (EST)

J.J. I have no doubt! :-))
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 23:26:28 (EST)

It is tickle, not tickled. Oh well, I can crutch out by claiming my status as a stroke victim.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 22:21:54 (EST)

The world of the impossible is possible. I have finished the floors in the computer room and the spare bedroom. All that I have left is the floor in the kitchen. The stove hood went in slick and easy. Must have been the grease. Marshall do think that St. Jude might have help tickled the process? J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 22:16:52 (EST)

Brenda you are reading my mind! I was thinking: "A Judge...J.J. already listed the qualifications...doing flooring? St. Jude, patron saint of hopeless cases!"
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 20:40:27 (EST)

J.J., how about praying to St. Jude, saint of the impossible.
Brenda
USA - Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 11:09:57 (EST)

I went to work Friday. It was a one day appointment by the Supreme Court. I enjoyed it, but would not like to go back to work on a regular basis. I remembered how peculiar judges are. From a man’s view point a judge is a man who spends a lot of his money, his friends money, placing ads touting his qualifications. Then spends months away from his job shaking hands with everyone who he can, to get a job, making less money, so that he can wear a plain back dress in public. It does take some getting use to, wearing a robe again. Projects, I have put down the floor in two bedroom floors and the hall. All that I have left is the kitchen. I have to move the frig. I do not know what is back there. It is sort of built in and has not been moved in at least 10 years. But projects breed projects. I now an in the midst of changing the hood, fan, and light over the stove in preparation to the installation of the new floor. There is 25 years of grease under the hood. It is like tar when you touch it. It was hidden behind the hood. Marshall is there a patron saint for projects around the house. The patron saint of smashed fingers, cut hands, frustration and electrical shock, if not the church needs to get is one. The patron saint of projects. Some saint who we can to to for help with the Lord. With all of the projects going on all over the United States, and all of the smashed fingers, frustrations, and cut hands, there is a need for the patron saint of the handy man. I am certain that it would reduce the incidence of taking the Lords name in vain at least by 30%.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, La USA - Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 08:35:16 (EST)

Hi SUZANNE, I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures of the baby ---she is a honey. All of the pictures of Elizabeth show her exhaustion---she is really tired from lack of sleep. She had an appt. at 9 to take Rachael's picture w/Santa ----well, we had to get up at 6 to get dressed then to feed Rachael and bathe and dress her. She was so cute in her white and red lst Christmas outfit----by the time we got to the shop where Santa was I was tired and so was Elizabeth---Rachael slept through the whole photo session---couldn't wake her up for anything---Eliz. even tried a wet cloth---the minute we got home she was wide awake---I was going to the country club with them at 2 for a gingerbread house bake and another Santa visit, but I passed on it----I wanted to go, but decided a nap would be better for me. I'll see the pictures. Its horrible outside again ---cloudy, raining and windy. OP, have you all seen the sun in Va. in the last 3 weeks? I think I've only seen it twice since I arrived and that was 3 days shy of 3 weeks. Did any of you know Bill and Eleanor Lasseigne? Well, Bill died last night about 10 PM. Sue, did you finish your shopping. I haven't heard from Patsy in about 5 days so I guess she is busy shopping too.
Betty
USA - Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 14:23:32 (EST)

Hi everybody, this is Yvette's computer and I can see all the pictures in the family albums. It sounds like everybody is pretty busy. BETTY, that baby is just beautiful, I know it will be hard for you to leave! Elizabeth is much prettier then the picture you have on here. I agree with you about it being a new world but the babies will all survive, Elizabeth is lucky to have you there now and when you get home she WILL be calling you, mark my words! BRENDA, I figured you would be keeping some of that stuff. All we have left are a few tree skirts but they were the most expensive items we had. We getting ready to hit the streets again today. I did most of the shopping yesterday and I don't want to go home until I finish, that jet lag was BAD. Good luck on your project JJ, hope you finish before Christmas!!!!
Suzanne
USA - Friday, December 13, 2002 at 10:17:56 (EST)

This website is kind of magical. You have only to wish for something and it happens!
Brenda
USA - Friday, December 13, 2002 at 10:08:34 (EST)

Ok, now we have the picture of Elizabeth on the Rachael page. You may have to "refresh/reload" your browser to see it.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Friday, December 13, 2002 at 09:16:11 (EST)

Brenda, I am sure I have one of Eliz. & Rachael---I'll have to look ---I must have taken 200+ pictures. Nick tells me I'd better have a CD burned or something like that or my computer will crash ---
Betty
USA - Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 19:55:48 (EST)

Brenda thanks for thinking of going to Melanie's gift shop. Sure hope you can get there. I'm sure you will enjoy looking even if you don't buy anything. She also has Barbara's book on sale. She said her Christmas sales are just average so far. Of course all retail stores complain that it's not what it should be. I think the picture you are speaking of is already on the from page of the web page. Check it out. There are two there. I didn't find the other one at first either. OP put it in later. I spoke to him yesterday and he said that they were iced in but this morning I spoke to him and he said it was all over and they were going out shopping. Well happy shopping everyone. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 15:36:41 (EST)

Betty, wasn't there a picture of Elizabeth holding Rachael in the ones you sent me? Send that one in.
Brenda
USA - Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 15:23:04 (EST)

Ok, there are some new photos of Rachael, Betty's Grand Daughter on the front page link. Enjoy!
O. P. <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 10:43:10 (EST)

O.P. I sent in a small donation to the Food for the Poor site. It is amazing what they can do with a small amount of money. I got an e-mail back from them and it said the donation could supply a meal to 2000 people (which is hard to believe cause I didn't send a lot). We have so much in this country that we should all do this on a regular basis. Its horrible to think how much poverty there is so close to the US ---we used to go to Mexico a lot because Billy loves it down there and the poverty there was and is terrible. I wanted to buy a few goats so the families would have a steady supply of milk and could build up a herd, but the goats I couldn't find. I wrote and asked where were the goats located and I am sure they will reply. I just wanted to let you know that putting that site up for us to read was a good deed. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 08:07:26 (EST)

J. J. What type floor are you installing? Surely its just in one room and not your entire house. I know I couldn't tackle a job like that - I am just not strong enough. My sister and her husband put in a tile floor a couple years ago---it was beautiful when they finished, but Nancy said she'd never do that again---and they are 9 years younger than I am. I have hundreds of pictures of Rachael. I'll go through them and select a few and send them to you O.P. Thanks, Brenda, ---Eliz. has been a wonderful child---she really never gave us a bit of trouble as a teenager and she is very attentive to our needs (she is a control freak however----do you know I haven't changed a diaper yet!!!!!). Don't know how she will leave this baby to go back to work. They have finally taken a few of my suggestions and began giving Rachael a supplemental bottle of soy milk. She is sleeping longer now - I think Rachael was hungry. She slept last night in her bassinette for an hr. and a half. She'd been sleeping on Eliz.'s chest!!!! These young people do things a lot differently than we did. Anyway, I'm still having lots of fun. We partially decorated the tree last night and will finish up this morning. Still cloudy and very chilly---Day before yesterday Elizabeth and I went to Neiman-Mark-ups (that's what Billy calls it) and got her a very pretty little red velvet dress for Christmas. Nick said we were starting her off with bad shopping habits already!!!!. Unfortunately the dress didn't fit ---it was way too big. They really do have beautiful baby clothes. You all have a nice day today. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 07:20:52 (EST)

Feeling great. My cardiologist told me that he will see me again in a year. Tomorrow I go to work again. At least of one day. The Supreme Court has appointed to sit in Thibodaux for one day, while the chief judge is out of town. I am looking forward to it. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 07:08:53 (EST)

Brenda and Doris, did you miss the two pictures of Betty and the grand daughter that is linked from the front page of this web site? Betty, if there are more, send them to me.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 05:56:39 (EST)

I'm here also. Haven't finished my xmas shopping yet. There is always one or two that I just don't know what to get for them, and I am at that point right now. I have to make up my mind fast, because Jared is suppose to take the gifts to them this week-end. By the way he got a forestry job with a lumber company in La. and will be moving back to La. He will be working out of Oakdale, but I think he wants to live mabe in Kinder or somewhere closer to Lake Charles. I know, just when we move over here he moves over there. But he isn't dependable, he may not stay there. Anyway we are very happy over here, now. And La. isn't that far for him to come to visit. Betty I know you are enjoying that baby, please do send the pictures for your family page. I can't open them either, so I haven't seen any. Only the ones that are on this website.
Doris
USA - Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 21:04:15 (EST)

Betty, send those pictures you sent to me to O.P. to put on your family page. We got them opened once, but I can't open them any more. Elizabeth is very beautiful, Betty. Rachael is an exceptionally pretty baby also. J.J., your health must be greatly improved to be tackling a job like installing a floor. However, if you have been hunting in this cold weather, you must be really in your prime. Rickey, I tried to go to your sister-in-law's shop today, but got sidetracked. There aren't enough days this Christmas season. Sue, I wish I had bought more stuff from you. We've kept most of it instead of giving it as gifts as I had planned.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 17:50:51 (EST)

I've been wondering the same thing, Rickey ----where is everyone? I guess everyone is getting their shopping done, decorating the house, baking, etc. The weather has been miserable up here today. Freezing rain this morning and hard rain most of the day. Its supposed to warm up by Friday. The rain and the warmer temperature will melt the dirty snow----and if it gets in the 50s Nick can go play golf!!!! I think he needs a day out with the boys!!!!!! The baby is growing and is so precious. She is an eating machine---she gained a lb. since last week. We will be decorating the tree tonight. I haven't decorated a tree in 6 years----its still a lot of work, but Nick insisted that Rachael have a tree for her lst Christmas---even though she could care less!!!!!!! Betty
Betty
USA - Wednesday, December 11, 2002 at 16:46:30 (EST)

JJ I don't need another project. I learned a long time ago to hire. It saves a lot of marriages. The last thing done to my house is plant a new flower bed. I hired a landscaper and paid dearly but at least I'm still Catholic. Good luck on the floors there are some thing a senior citizen shouldn't attempt. Just don't get mad at you wife. We will be going to Bixoli for a few days to take care of Barbara's son who had surgury his morning. We will just be there for a day or so unless they need more.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayettel, La USA - Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 22:26:07 (EST)

Rickey, If you feel alone, come to my house, I am installing new floors, Groan! Moral, next time hire some one. J. J.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 18:26:34 (EST)

Hey, where is everybody? Looks like I'm the only one on the website. You girls can't be Christmas shopping all the time. No news for a while.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 18:21:11 (EST)

OP Just saw the pictures of the snow at David's house. How come Lucia was shoveling snow and not you. It didn't look that hard. You should be ashamed of yourself to make that young girl shovel snow and you stay inside and shoot pictures of her. Just kidding I know an old man like you needs to stay where it's warm and cozy. David's kids look a like like you when you were that age. At least the pictures I've seen look like that. If you guys haven't looked at his home page lately you should. Not that he's a proud gradnpa or anything.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Sunday, December 08, 2002 at 10:18:23 (EST)

Good morning. It's finally over. OP the Democrate won. She won by 3 percent of the votes. I certainly won't miss the phone call telling me to vote for one canidate or the other. Last week we got a call from supposely a woman from St. Mary's Parish telling us it was a sin not to vote for the side who opposed abortion. Well Fr. Robie said in church that it was not a person from St. Mary's parish and the call originated from Worster, Maine. It had a lot of people upset that the Church would chose one person or the other. Well he said that it just wasn't so. I found it kinda funny when it happened. Marshall Flynn will be in Lafayette during your trip here. I understand he just got back from a trip to Africa. Betty how long will you be up in the frozen Nawth? Marshall be sure to give me a call when you are home and maybe we can go get a good meal somewhere. When are you scheduled to get here.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayettel, La USA - Sunday, December 08, 2002 at 08:02:45 (EST)

Betty, you might be talking about the "Food for the Poor" web site. That is on my family home page http://opditch.com and also on Bush2004 web site http://W-04.com. When I get a chance I will add it to this site too.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Sunday, December 08, 2002 at 07:45:33 (EST)

O.P. What happened to that "stop hunger website" you had up? This year I decided I wasn't going to go overboard with Christmas shopping---instead I think I will give a contribution to that site so they can buy goats ---if I recall the goats are reasonable. When you get a chance let me know. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, December 08, 2002 at 07:33:05 (EST)

I really did get a late start in the grandchildren category. I can't believe you all have 2l, 22 and 25 year old grandchildren ----mine is only 2 weeks +2 days old!!!! I have a lot of catching up to do. I'm up early this morning and I am going to drive to mass (alone)----hope I don't make a wrong turn and end up in New York City!!!!! (ha) ---I don't think I will cause the church is pretty close. I'm going early so I can put the gumbo on when I get back. There is a farmer's market about a mile from the house-----Eliz. and I went yesterday----all the meats, baked goods, etc. come from the Amish. I bought the most gorgeous fresh hen (if you can imagine a gorgeous hen) so it should be a good gumbo. They call hen's stewing chickens ---when I asked for a hen I got this blank look!!! Rachael didn't have colic last night so maybe she has taken a turn----hope so for her parents sake. Are you all enjoying the holiday season or do you still have shopping to do?
Betty
USA - Sunday, December 08, 2002 at 07:24:25 (EST)

Well I guess I beat you all my oldest grandchild is 25. Can you believe this? I did two set of window treatments for Roxanne. Thank goodness there is no more now, have been too busy with the Holidays. I still smock dresses occasionally for baby gifts. No baby girls in this family now.
Doris
USA - Saturday, December 07, 2002 at 09:32:27 (EST)

44 YEAR. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CARLEEN AND PHIL! And and a new grandson too. Bet he's beautiful. How do yall like this cold weather, everbody? I will finally get a new chimney next week, I miss my fireplace. Rickey, my oldest grandchild is 22 and she told us she is getting married soon. Doris, how old is your oldest grandchild? You were married before me. Have you been doing any sewing for your daughter's business? I switched from drapes to baby dresses, smocked a dress for Emily. I had forgotten that it isn't as easy as I remembered, but it did come out ok and nobody can see the mistakes but me. The next one will be better. I always put my business on hold in December. Marshall, Fr. Blessing was on the trip with us, he says he knows you. He was wonderful! His little church, St. Patricks is packing people in. A lot of our St. Marys parishoners followed him when he left us. Take care everybody.
Suzanne
USA - Saturday, December 07, 2002 at 09:24:04 (EST)

Congratulations to Phil and Carleen. This has been a great year for them. I don't know where you and Betty were when I started having grandbabies. My oldest Grandchild is 21. I guess I just got an early start. If Marshall says that you two are getting old well I must be ancient. Betty thanks for the e-mail. Maybe we should agree on something in our e-mail that will identify us to each other and if it's not there it's a fraud. That might be a way around all the bogus e-mail. Of course we would have to agree off line. Sue where are you. Still flying high I expect. Doris I enjoyed our chat on the landline. Gee it's cold over here. Rickey
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Saturday, December 07, 2002 at 07:55:53 (EST)

I want to add my congratulations to you and Phil, Carleen. With a new baby, Luke, and a healthy grandmother, this Christmas will be special for all of you, I'm certain. You deserve this happiness. Enjoy!
Brenda
USA - Friday, December 06, 2002 at 13:51:45 (EST)

Happy Anniversary and congratulations on the new member of the family, Carleen and Phil. I can't believe we were married 3 years before you and Phil!!
Doris
USA - Friday, December 06, 2002 at 12:38:53 (EST)

HAPPY 44TH ANNIVERSARY CARLEEN AND PHIL. I guess 44 years ago we were getting dressed for the ceremony ---I can't remember----- was it in the late morning or early afternoon. I know you and Phil will have many, many more. How's Luke this morning. Love, Betty
Betty
USA - Friday, December 06, 2002 at 11:51:22 (EST)

Congratulations Grandma Carleen! Gee I can't believe you guys are getting so old!!!
Marshall <larr1710@comcast.net>
Venice, FL USA - Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 20:25:14 (EST)

Don't think Carleen and Phil will mind me making the announcement. Carleen just wrote to me ----Keith (their youngest) and his wife, Laurie, had a boy Wed., Dec. 4 at 10 PM, Luke Michael, weighing 6 lbs 11 oz. I think. Mother and baby are fine and so is Keith and, of course, so are Carleen and Phil.
Betty
USA - Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 18:58:08 (EST)

.P. That is so cute ---there is our Rachael right up there with Ollie North, Ken Starr and Barbara Bush --- Eliz. and Nick love it. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 15:27:09 (EST)

Betty, Rachael is already on the Bush2004 web site. http://W-04.com Look at the Supporters Photos page. Tell your friends to look at it there. I put it up this morning. I was going to email you but got distracted. We are here in Maryland and snowed in. Lucky for my laptop.... ha. My son David had one of his kids sick, so we came up to help. Then the snow hit. We have about 5 inches already and it is still coming down.
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 10:44:06 (EST)

O.P. did you get the "youngest Republican" picture? Nick told me I should send it to the White House!!!! I've sent it to a number of people, but a lot of them get nothing. Seems like the people on AOL can get it & others can't. Suzanne and Marshall couldn't get it. Do you think its something I'm doing wrong or is it an AOL issue?
Betty
USA - Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 08:53:58 (EST)

Hi everyone, I am sitting here at the computer and when I look out the kitchen window there is a gorgeous and peaceful scene to look at ----it has been snowing since about 4:30 A.M. There are a lot of Xmas trees growing around here (I am sure they were planted) and it really is pretty to look at. Nick has to go to the drugstore (Rachael already has a cold) so maybe I can talk him into getting a hen at the grocery store so I can make a gumbo ----absolutely perfect weather for gumbo. Billy told me that you all got lots of rain in Lafayette yesterday. He went home Tuesday. Phil sent me a note and told me that he and Carleen were waiting for their grandson, Luke, to be born yesterday. Laurie was in the hospital. I haven't heard from him so I don't know if Luke has arrived or not. Betty
Betty
USA - Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 08:50:33 (EST)

Brenda I think it's great to have a son who is doing so well. Congratulations. I know he takes after his mother as far as brains and talent. Did I tell you I have a sister-in-law who has a business in Baton Rouge. Her shop is on Perkins Road. It's called Hannan & Company. It's a small gift shop with a lot of "things she would like to be able to have" to quote her. Her name is Melanie. I can't tell you how to get there because all I know is I take Essen Lane to Perkins Road. I don't think they intersect do they? When you are Christmas shopping you might want to check this store out. She has a lot of neat things to buy. Tell her I said hello. She also has Barbara's book on sale. Thought I would put in a commercial. Hey gang looks like we are in for some Cold weather. Better button up the long johns.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayette, La USA - Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 07:39:10 (EST)

Rickey, the shoot is over!! The magazine is called Budget Living and it's a pretty new magazine. The house will be in the issue which comes out in Feb. I haven't seen the pictures, but I saw that they made most people take off their shoes for the shots and so, Stephen, who probably NEVER goes barefooted, has to have all of the pictures of him barefooted. There is also a little miniature dashound (Otis) in some of the pictures. He is the editor's dog and appears like Waldo throughout the magazine. He seemed to know how to pose. As for John and me, we are pictured, sitting or standing on the deck, holding wine glasses to our mouths. It wouldn't do for us to just HOLD the glasses, we had to hold them up to our lips in EVERY picture. I hope they use only one of them as it will surely seem peculiar that we drink constantly. I had to go out there yesterday IN THE RAIN and show a couple from S. Carolina the house. It seems that they saw it in Southern Living and drove down, after speaking to Stephen or John, to see it. Of course, Stephen is in N.Y. and John is in New Mexico this week, which left me to do it. Anyway, I hope that's it for a while.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, December 04, 2002 at 19:19:47 (EST)

Well it's time for me to say something. I definitely don't want to read and not write. Our cruise was only matched by Hawaii taken 19 years ago. We even had our own personal photographer accompany us. Never was the expression "a picture is worth a thousand words" so true, the video's were a bonus. I was having golf withdrawals when I returned however, and now the weather has gone south. Today I worked hard to eliminate those viruses plagueing my computer. Subscribed to McAfee.com for $25.00/year and it has completely eliminated my problems. It is also supposed to continue to kill them as thet occur. We shall see. Hope everyone is safe, warm and dry. Go Saints!
Gerald Reaux
Lafayette, La. USA - Wednesday, December 04, 2002 at 14:42:47 (EST)

No No shucks OP I didn't get a chance to see Big W. I sure was disappointed. I couldn't sleep well last night because I missed him. I heard on the radio in New Orleans that the election is neck and neck. It's so close that both canidates being from New Orleans that the cemetary vote will probably decide the election. The Republican party is pulling out all the stops to get the Senate see for this one. It must be pretty important. Sue can't wait to speak to you in person to really hear all about your trip. You sound excited. Did you ever see Fr. Mouton while you were there. If not it's a good thing I didn't give you the books. Brenda how did the shoot go at the little house.
Rickey <Rickey36@cox-internet.com>
Lafayettel, La USA - Wednesday, December 04, 2002 at 11:29:07 (EST)

Loved hearing about your trip, Sue. It sounds like you saw everything and then some! I'm happy that you got to have such an experience while you're still so young and energetic.
Brenda
USA - Wednesday, December 04, 2002 at 11:26:22 (EST)

Sorry OP, I didn't see your man but my daughter, Yvette was at the airport in NO when his plane landed. Lots of security!!!! Well, the trip was the best. It would take a book to tell you everything we saw. It was almost more then the mind could handle. The Bacilica of St. Paul, the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, the first christian church to be consecrated, The Bacilica of St. Mary Major and finally the Church of St. Peter in Chains (the original chains used when he was brought to Rome) the most magnificant statue of him by Michelangelo. We did that in one day. Our choir sang at the 10:30 Mass at St. Peters on Sunday and again at 5:00PM on Monday at the "Chair" alter in St. Peter's Basilica. Latin, of course. We had Mass on Tuesday at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, my favorite place. We visited where he was buried, it leaves me breathless!After that we had our audience with the Pope. He is so feeble but he managed to wave and smile at us after we sang to him. Getting in to do that is another story. On to Florence where Mass was at St. Croce Church. I didn't visit David this time because I OD'd on him the last time we were there. Next day, Milan and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and Leonardo da Vionci's LAST SUPPER. I was surprised at how big it was, this huge wall. Unbelieveable! The flight home was long but it was all so wonderful. Haven't had the pictures developed yet.
Suzanne
USA - Wednesday, December 04, 2002 at 10:56:30 (EST)

Speaking of eBay, my son is auctioning off one of my "old" cameras for me on eBay. You can see it at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1943226753 I bought a new Nikon camera. Oh, did anyone of you see my Man (W) while he was in LA?
O. P. Ditch <op@opditch.com>
Woodbridge, VA USA - Wednesday, December 04, 2002 at 07:37:11 (EST)

J.J. Just wanted you to know Roxanne only has a couple of bananna trees, not a plantation. Thanks for the advise.
Doris
USA - Tuesday, December 03, 2002 at 08:58:23 (EST)

Doris & Roxanne. Bananas! I did not realize that so many owned banana plantations. Each type of banana has their own method of getting ripe. Generally, you cut them down and hang them up on the shade or you can hang them up in a black plastic bag. The only problem is that they whole bunch get ripe at a same time. Brenda thanks for the warning. I discovered that there is a service called Carfax, that gives you a history of the vehicle and will tell you if it was salvaged. There is also another service that will inspect the vehicle for you and give you a written report, for a small fee.
J. J. Erny <judgeerny@mobiletel.com>
Larose, LA USA - Tuesday, December 03, 2002 at 08:02:39 (EST)

Hey New Babies! There was a Dr on Good Morning America today with a book out called "The Happiest Baby on the Block" about quieting crying babies. What he did was amazing. He said newborns go into shock being out of the womb and if you recreate the environment they were in - they'll be content as can be. His method - the 5 S's. Swaddling (tightly wrap arms down papoose style) Side or stomach position 3-Shushing (shush in their ear -loudly and directly into the ear to recreate the washing machine like noise of the womb) 4 - Swinging or jiggling (small rapid motions) 5 Suckling - give pacifier. It works like a trick!
Roxanne (Doris d-in-law) <rprovost@houston.rr.com>
The Woodlands, TX USA - Monday, December 02, 2002 at 15:31:48 (EST)

O.K. J.J. my daughter-in-law wants to know about her bannanas. What should she do? Cut them down now while they are green, or wait until they ripen on the vine?
Doris
USA - Monday, December 02, 2002 at 14:42:30 (EST)

BANANAS???? Mom told me someone over here knew something about banana trees. We have a huge tree in our back yard with bananas. We've had the fruit now for over 6 weeks. Do they ripen on the tree? Or do you cut them to ripen? I'm worried about a freeze getting them before time. I don't know how big they are supposed to get. But the bunches are pretty open now. Hope someone knows about these things.....
Roxanne Provost (d-in-law Doris) <rprovost@houston.rr.com>
The Woodlands, TX USA - Monday, December 02, 2002 at 14:24:20 (EST)

Suzanne, can't wait to hear about your trip. Her name is Rachael Elizabeth ---check out the picture O.P. put on the website. Glad you are back. Betty
Betty
USA - Sunday, December 01, 2002 at 17:40:44 (EST)

We're back. We arrived in Lafayette at 11 o'click last night - we had been on the road and in the air for 22 hours. My brain is scrambled and I'm like Betty's grandbaby, my days and nights are mixed up. BETTY, WHAT CAN I SAY? I am sooooo excited for you. Holding that little miracle for the first time must have been the best. What is her name? Our trip was wonderful, great weather the whole time, clear and cool. Thanks for all the prayers and I'll tell yall a little bit about it when my head clears up. We sand for the Pope - got pictures.
Suzanne
USA - Sunday, December 01, 2002 at 09:52:11 (EST)

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